Chance of a lifetime

For one incredible week in August, players of all abilities will be able to test their skills under real major championship conditions -- and possibly win an awesome golf travel package -- when The Ocean Course is set up as it will be during the 2012 PGA Championship.

KIAWAH ISLAND, SC -- Kiawah Island Golf Resort has announced that from Aug. 1-7, 2011, The Ocean Course will be set up in the same conditions as it will be the following year during the 2012 PGA Championship, including greens speeds, rough lengths and rough lines, with tees set at the PGA-indicated length of a mind-numbing 7,606 yards. This will give guests an opportunity to test their skills against what the PGA Tour players will face the following year and gives them a chance to win a great Kiawah Island Golf Resort golf vacation package.

"It's the dream of serious golfers everywhere, whether a scratch or a 30-plus handicap, to play one of the world's great courses in the same conditions as the professionals play it in a major championship," explains Brian Gerard, Kiawah's Director of golf. "During this special week, we'll give our guests a chance to see how their games compare to the best players in the world."

For the week, there will be a low-net competition for players taking the challenge. The winner will receive a two-night stay in the resort's Forbes Five Star/AAA Five Diamond oceanfront hotel, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, for a foursome that includes two rounds of golf, including one on The Ocean Course. To be entered in the challenge, players must present proof of a certified USGA Handicap and play the course with one of the resort's caddies to verify the player's score. In the event of a tie, a winner will be determined by a matching of the cards.

The PGA Challenge is open to everyone at normal golf rates. Packages are available. For further information on the PGA Challenge and golf packages, call 800-576-1570 or visit http://www.kiawahresort.com/packages/golf/.

Located along 10 miles of pristine beach just south of Charleston, SC, Kiawah Island Golf Resort was recently named the No. 1 resort on the U.S. Mainland by readers of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It was also named the No. 1 golf resort by Golf World magazine and one of the top five tennis resorts in the U.S. by Tennis magazine. Kiawah Island is also known as one of the top eco-friendly resorts in the U.S. and its beach was named one of the 10 best beaches in America by famed "beachologist," Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach. In addition to The Sanctuary, the resort's 255-room oceanfront hotel and spa, the resort manages 600 private villas and luxury homes, nine restaurants, two tennis centers, a renowned recreation and nature program and has five championship golf courses, including The Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2007 Senior PGA and 2012 PGA championships.

For more information on the resort, visit www.kiawahresort.com or call 800-654-2924.