For more about the different types of memberships, rates & benefits the Governor's Club has to offer, Click Here for our 2025 Brochure!
The History
The Governor's Club at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is named in honor of Governor Vanderhorst. General Arnoldus Vanderhorst, a Revolutionary War hero, was twice mayor of Charleston and Governor of South Carolina from 1794 to 1796. He built his home on the eastern half of the Island in 1802 and is still a private residence today. The Governor's Club is meant to recapture the spirit of a bygone era in the lowcountry; when friends and family spent more carefree time together relaxing, socializing and playing a game of golf or tennis.
About The Club
Membership to the Governor's Club gives island residents year-round access to Kiawah Island Golf Resort amenities along with exclusive benefits, discounts, private events and tournaments. Five different membership categories are offered with varying levels of commitment, tailored to specifically meet each member's personal needs and preferences. All memberships are annual memberships and there are no initiation fees.
Membership Benefits - Include complimentary access to three pools and fitness center. Members receive savings on golf and tennis fees, accompanied guest fees and various discounts across the resort, including: 15% off food, beverage, merchandise and recreation, as well as treatments at the Five Star Spa at The Sanctuary. An exclusive member dining program includes an additional 10% off menu items each day of the week, featuring restaurants such as the Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course, Tomasso at Turtle Point and more! Socially, members-only events are held throughout the year.
Memberships with Full Benefits & Pool Access
Golf - Offered at various levels designed to suit your personal needs. Choose from limited memberships (30/60 annual rounds) or for the avid golfer, an unlimited membership. Membership includes complimentary unlimited use of the practice facilities, as well as weekly blitzes with the men's or ladies golf group. This is a great opportunity to meet other island residents for golf and camaraderie. A variety of special events are held annually including Member-Members, Member-Guests and Club Championships. Temporarily unavailable.**
Tennis - Also offered at various membership levels, with limited memberships (100/200 hours) of court time as well as an unlimited option. Enjoy reduced rates on lessons & clinics.
Golf & Tennis - Best of both worlds. Combines all aspects of Golf & Tennis memberships. Temporarily unavailable.**
Social - Enjoy all the benefits the Governor's Club has to offer without the Golf and/or Tennis commitment.
"A la Carte" Memberships
Pool-Only - Allows members access to three pools from March through Thanksgiving. The Night Heron complex features a children's pool with slides and also a heated junior Olympic sized family pool. The West Beach Pool has a slide and a water feature plus an ample area to wade and sun bathe. Accompanied guests are welcome for a daily fee.*
* Governor's Club members can also add their adult children, grandchildren, parents and siblings to a Pool-Add on option for them to have unaccompanied access to the pools.
**Golf memberships are temporarily unavailable. A Waiting list is available. Priority is given to current members in the order they are received. GO TO GOLF WAITING LIST FORM HERE>>