Golf architect Beau Welling has begun development on Orange Hill, the newest golf course for the Kiawah Island Club in South Carolina. This expansive 933-acre project on Johns Island will feature an 18-hole championship course alongside a 9-hole short course, both scheduled to be grassed by summer 2027 and potentially open by fall of the same year. The design emphasizes preservation of the site’s mature oak trees and wetlands, creating an “old world” atmosphere that harmonizes with the existing Cassique and River courses at Kiawah.

Welling’s approach to Orange Hill is inspired by early American golf, particularly the historic courses in Charleston, and aims to give players strategic options that evoke a style of play from a century ago. Having spent part of his youth on Kiawah Island and trained under noted architect Tom Fazio, Welling was granted full creative freedom by South Street Partners, the ownership group behind Kiawah Partners, to integrate the course seamlessly with the natural landscape. About 300 acres will be dedicated to golf facilities, including a double-sided driving range and clubhouse.

The Orange Hill development went through a protracted approval process focused heavily on environmental preservation. Over 3,100 protected and grand trees were surveyed, resulting in minimal tree removal and retention of 88% of the highest-grade specimens. Additionally, the project includes a residential community with up to 120 homesites situated away from the core golf routing to maintain the pristine golfing environment. A 212-acre conservation area adjoining the development further protects the native ecosystem.

This new course responds to increased demand as Kiawah Island Club membership grew post-pandemic, with rounds played at existing courses rising 22% since 2022. The surrounding island real estate market has also flourished, with 2025 marking the third-highest sales volume on record at $851 million. With a median home price near $4 million and record-low inventory, Orange Hill’s addition offers a compelling blend of luxury living and championship golf that builds on Kiawah’s established reputation as a premier golf and lifestyle destination.