So the big moment has arrived. After years of preparation and anticipation, the PGA Championship is here and the rest of the world will finally get to see what a beaut the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is. Unfortunately, the 30,000-something golf fans who plan to attend the tourney each day will also find out soon enough how unbelievably hot and humid the Lowcountry gets in August. We fear for their lives. Which is why we've put together this handy-dandy guide to the PGA Championship. If you take what we have to say to heart, you just might make it out of this tournament alive.

Everything you need to know about Johns and Wadmalaw islands
Everything you need to know about Johns and Wadmalaw islands Flyover Country

With Kiawah and Seabrook booked up by PGA players and executives, the riffraff are having to find accommodations elsewhere, which means Johns Island's scenic live-oak lined roads will be seeing an inordinate amount of car traffic. But this island isn't just a throughway. It has enough charming delights of its own to encourage you to slow down and stay awhile. According to the newly formed Johns Island Conservancy, Johns Island has a population of 17,000, lots of wildlife, and a burgeoning agricultural industry. It also has a handful of restaurants and some unique natural sights. Nearby Wadmalaw also has a few uniquely appealing Lowcountry attractions that you might want to take in while you're out there. — Stephanie Barna


Freshfields Brings Bono to the PGA
Freshfields Brings Bono to the PGA ... OK. Not really. (Does a U2 cover band count?)

Eddie Steklasa spent most of his free time playing along with U2 albums in his living room until he decided to take it to the next level, interviewing 125 guys to create the ultimate U2 cover band. "It had a lot to do with personality, musical goals, and they had to look the part, too," he says. — Amelia Thomson


The PGA Championship is coming to a county park near you
The PGA Championship is coming to a county park near you Take a Swing with the Fam

Are you bummed that you can't make it to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort for the PGA Championship? Sure you are. But there's no need for you to worry your pretty little head. The PGA is looking out for you and yours with the Get Golf Ready Family Fun Zone Tour. This free event will be hitting all of Charleston's county parks. And the best part about the Family Fun Zone festival is right there in the name: it's for the whole family. — Deanna Kerley


PGA caddies at the Ocean Course discuss the treacherous and tricky Looney Dunes
PGA caddies at the Ocean Course discuss the treacherous and tricky Looney Dunes Golfers Beware

They tell of the perils of the Ocean Course like sailors returned from a death-defying voyage. Poisonous serpents lying in wait. Unrelenting, crushing heat. Unpredictable, course-altering wind gusts. — Allyson Bird


PGA Week: How to stay cool, eat well, and avoid getting kicked out of the PGA Championship
PGA Week: How to stay cool, eat well, and avoid getting kicked out of the PGA Championship Pro Tips

For starters, you can bring your own bottle of unopened water — that means factory-sealed bottles, no reusable Nalgene bottles. Since Aquafina is sponsoring the tournament, staff members will make you peel the label off your bottle if it's another brand. The PGA prohibits coolers on the course, so unfortunately water from home is only going to last you so long. You might want to consider freezing a bottle the night before to keep it cool. — Paul Bowers


PGA Week: 10 uniquely Charleston restaurants that you don't want to miss
PGA Week: 10 uniquely Charleston restaurants that you don't want to miss A Taste of Charleston

From authentic French bistros to delicious Vietnamese street food, Charleston offers diners an array of top-rate dining options. But you can find coquille St. Jacques and bành mí sandwiches back in your own hometown. Here are our choices for the restaurants that you shouldn't miss if you're looking for a quintessential Charleston dining experience. — Stephanie Barna


PGA Week: 11 good restaurants you can usually sneak into if you forgot to plan for PGA week
PGA Week: 11 good restaurants you can usually sneak into if you forgot to plan for PGA week No Reservations?

The media darlings and the well-known favorites of downtown Charleston and nearby Johns Island started filling up with reservations weeks ago as PGA players and spectators started making their plans. With an estimated 50,000 people flooding the market this week, there will be a premium placed on a 7 p.m. Friday night reservation at places like Halls Chophouse or Charleston Grill, two of OpenTable's highest rated restaurants in town. — Eric Doksa


PGA Week: The Details
PGA Week: The Details Go to your happy place

Classified Listings
{ more } Recent Comments
{ more } Reader Reviews
Most Viewed

Powered by Foundation   © Copyright 2013, Charleston City Paper   RSS