Courtesy of Wild Dunes Resorts (2)
Wild Dunes Resort announced its two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses will undergo $8 million of upgrades and enhancements in 2024. Rebuilding and expanding greens and tees and improving the irrigation systems are among the projects scheduled for the courses located on the Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina. Work is set to begin March 2024, with completion currently set for October 2024.
The resort and its partners have invested more than $150 million in property renovations since 2021, with the new signature hotel, The Sweetgrass Inn. The resort also has added five new pickleball courts.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the continued growth and investment in the resort,” Wild Dunes managing director Tom Nolan said. “After years of continued improvements to the property with our guests and members in mind, enhancing our overall golf product was the natural next step. We’re looking forward to delivering this elevated offering through both the Harbor Course – Tom Fazio’s original South Carolina gem – along with the Links Course, creating an exceptional coastal championship golf experience.”
After engaging with world-class consultants, researching golf trends and surveying The Golf Club at Wild Dunes membership, Wild Dunes established an enhancement plan including:
The Harbor Course
The Harbor Course has been a centerpiece of Wild Dunes for more than 40 years. Beginning in spring 2024, the greens will be rebuilt and expanded to meet the modern standards of the game to challenge and excite every level of golfer. Tees will be rebuilt and leveled, and in some cases, expanded while the irrigation systems will be replaced with improved turf conditions and a design that’s more efficient in water use. Greenside and fairway bunkers will be restored. Some bunkers will be repositioned to enhance the design features of certain holes. Multiple golf cart bridges will also be restored over the next 12 months, some of which have already been completed.
The Links Course
The resort teams are currently evaluating ways in which the Links Course’s 18th hole, which has been impacted by the threat of erosion and washout. Various options are being considered to improve play.
“Upon the completion of the Harbor Course restoration, golfers that are familiar with the course will experience newly designed putting surfaces that are sure to test their putting skills, smooth upgraded golf cart paths and several new strategically placed bunkers intended to complement the current hole designs,” director of golf Jeff Minton said. “For those who have not experienced golf at Wild Dunes, from the moment you step foot on property and are greeted by our friendly team, you will know you are somewhere special.”
The project demonstrates the ongoing commitment from the resort and its ownership company, Lowe and Dart, to further develop the Wild Dunes property, as well as its offerings, amenities and overall experience for visitors and locals.
“Lowe and Dart are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Wild Dunes Resort community, and we intend to continue to be part of what makes Isle of Palms great today, tomorrow, and for years to come,” said Terri A. Haack, senior vice president of Lowe, on behalf of resort ownership. “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving both of our golf courses for the recreation and open space that all members of the Wild Dunes community treasure."
