ISLE OF PALMS, SOUTH CAROLINA | When Tom Fazio created the Hyperlinks Course at Wild Dunes resort simply north of Charleston greater than 40 years in the past, it was a revelation.
Given the liberty to put a golf course on land that adjoins the Atlantic Ocean lengthy earlier than the properties and villas started rising from the sandy soil, Fazio’s first solo design created a format that helped gasoline his emergence as one of many sport’s most influential and completed course designers.
Winding by way of the Lowcountry stay oaks and tumbling over pure dunes earlier than spilling out to the sting of the Atlantic the place the 2 ending holes performed alongside the ocean oats, the Hyperlinks Course was instantly charming. The seventeenth and 18th holes have been acknowledged in a espresso desk guide that includes the five hundred best holes on the earth, the odor of salt air and the ocean breeze virtually coming off the pages.
“Wild Dunes was a seminal undertaking for Tom Fazio and Fazio Design,” stated Bryan Bowers, who has labored with Fazio as a lead designer for 27 years.
Lower than a decade later as Wild Dunes expanded and have become probably the most well-liked trip locations alongside South Carolina’s well-known shoreline, Fazio and his group constructed the Harbor Course, a second 18 holes that helped meet the necessity for tee instances whereas offering housing websites with broad marsh views and entry to the Intracoastal Waterway.
It was an admittedly tight match, squeezing 18 holes onto a slender piece of land already crowded with trip properties. And when Hurricane Hugo devastated the realm in 1989, each the Hyperlinks Course and the Harbor Course have been nearly destroyed.
The Hyperlinks Course reopened first, and it was two years (1991) earlier than the Harbor Course was up and operating once more. Now, 34 years later, the Harbor Course is new once more, having simply accomplished a $9-million renovation undertaking that not solely refreshed the format, however represents one other step within the persevering with elevation of the 1,600-acre resort that sits simply half-hour from Charleston’s many charms.
“When programs have been being constructed within the ’80s by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus, there have been extra contours and moguls used. Right this moment, these areas are wider and softer.” – Bryan Bowers
With water or marsh coming into play on 17 of 18 holes, the Harbor Course performs simply 6,359 yards from the again tees and options six par-3 holes within the par-70 format. Don’t be deceived by the comparatively brief yardage. The mixture of ocean breezes, some sharply outlined corridors and a handful of sturdy par-4 holes make the Harbor Course a correct take a look at for low-handicap gamers.
Bowers and the Fazio group widened fairways the place they may, together with on a three-hole stretch halfway by way of the spherical that runs alongside the Intracoastal Waterway on what as soon as was the island’s touchdown strip. Downwind, holes 10, 11 and 12 are tempting however into the wind or coping with a crosswind adjustments their problem immediately.
The par-4 seventeenth gap, which begins with a tee shot hit diagonally throughout an expansive marsh resulting in an strategy shot with the identical marsh hugging the left facet of the inexperienced, is as stout a gap as there may be in South Carolina’s golf-rich Lowcountry.
And, the par-4 18th gap, a barely smaller model of the seventeenth, bookends a end that’s as demanding as it’s lovely.
It’s a golf course that has simply 60 acres of irrigated turf, barely half of what many programs have, and there are many bunkers and waste areas that demand consideration.
“Due to the land and the geometry of the area, we tried to create as a lot enjoying area as we may,” Bowers stated. “When programs have been being constructed within the ’80s by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus, there have been extra contours and moguls used. Right this moment, these areas are wider and softer.”
Water or marsh comes into play on 17 of 18 holes on the Harbor Course.
Whereas rebuilding all 18 greens, extra contouring was created and the general measurement of the brand new Tifeagle placing surfaces almost doubled, going from 60,000 sq. toes to greater than 110,000 sq. toes, dramatically enhancing the playability of the Harbor Course.
Throw in new irrigation, the relocation of some cart paths and a handful of design tweaks that made some greens extra approachable and the change is each dramatic and elevating.
“Like several constructing or golf course, it wanted to be modernized,” stated Jeff Minton, director of golf and sports activities at Wild Dunes. “We have been spending lots of time repairing our irrigation system and the greens had turn out to be contaminated. It was undoubtedly one thing that wanted to occur.”
Each the Hyperlinks and the Harbor programs mix comfortably into the resort, which has an upscale really feel with out shedding its seaside vibe. In contrast to some spots that promote sparkle, Wild Dunes succeeds by promoting a sense together with its facilities.
It’s a spot for bike rides, seaside walks and simply being there to listen to the palmetto palms rustle within the breeze and the sound of waves breaking.
The 93-room Boardwalk Inn has a AAA Three Diamond score whereas the Sweetgrass Inn, which opened in 2021, includes a spa, a rooftop bar overlooking the resort and celebrates the realm’s tradition.
There isn’t a scarcity of wonderful eating choices, together with the Oystercatcher Bar & Restaurant, which options each day oysters on the half shell served 4 methods.
Should you really feel the tug of a day or night in Charleston, it’s only a brief trip away.
However when you’re at Wild Dunes, it’s tough to go away.
Photographs Courtesy Wild Dunes
© 2025 International Golf Submit LLC
