Travelers will find a wealth of high-quality golf in the Gamecock State of South Carolina, especially along the coast of the famous Lowcountry, but if the luxury beachfront escape Wild Dunes Resort, just outside of Charleston, isn’t on your radar yet, it definitely should be.
This magnificent resort, located on the Isle of Palms, less than a half hour from the historic heart of Charleston, is home to two tremendous golf courses – the Links Course and the Harbor Course, both of which were crafted by Tom Fazio. The latter was just renovated, making this award-winning duo that much better.
Jeff Minton, director of golf at Wild Dunes Resort, says with the possible exception of a famous nearby course that has hosted major championships (and also costs well over $600 to play), the two golf courses deliver an experience equal to, or greater than most other golf courses in the area. ““If you want to play some really classic lowcountry golf with some great ocean holes, we certainly have that for you.”
In addition to the exceptional golf, Wild Dunes also provides an immersive and refined coastal destination with superb dining, a great hotel, spa, and one of the best racquet sports programs in the country. The addition of the 153-room Sweetgrass Inn in 2021 along with thoughtfully curated village-style amenities has brought Wild Dunes Resort to a new level of luxury, service, and enjoyment.
In its 45-year history, the golf has never been better at Wild Dunes.
The recent improvements on the Harbor Course illustrate that point. First, the greens were doubled in size, which makes this “strategic” layout located along the Intercoastal Waterway a little more playable. But Fazio’s team, led by lead designer Bryan Bowers, added undulation to those greens, so once you get there, the putting becomes a bigger challenge than before.
Another key addition on this par 70 that plays nearly 6,400 yards is that on holes 9, 10, and 11, more than 15,000 cubic yards of material were added to raise the holes about four feet along the waterway. This helps alleviate issues of tidal flooding, plus it improves the views.
“We got the cart paths out of a flood zone,” Minton says. “We kind of redesigned those three holes. They will look much different than before, much better views. Now you’re looking down on the waterway.”
As for the Links Course, which was Fazio’s first solo design when it opened in 1980, it has evolved over the years. The 6,500-yard course is now a par 70 because the 18th hole, which had been a victim of storms and erosion over the years (the last three holes are along the Atlantic Ocean), was shortened from a par 5 to a par 3. The finishing hole is as intimidating as ever, however, playing close 185 yards from the back tee with the ocean on the left.
“It’s a 3-plus for most people,” Minto says. “The wind is usually howling in your face, or when it’s dead downwind, it’s really hard to choose the right club.”
There’s plenty of room to hit the ball on the Links Course as the fairways are generous. With the normal breezy conditions, flighting the ball and playing bump and runs is certainly a good option.
Practice facilities at Wild Dunes Resort are top notch, too, with a grass driving range and manicured short game area.
While the golf courses are open for public play (and there are memberships, too), the best way to experience Wild Dunes is through a stay-and-play package. Resort guests can book tee times when they book their stay well in advance and beyond the 14-day window the public gets.
The resort experience is perfect for buddy trips, girls trips, bachelor or bachelorette parties, families (especially in the summer), and, of course, couples.
The newer Sweetgrass Inn came with a new full-service spa, pools, and a plaza with retail shops, a sweet shot, an art gallery, market and a pizza place.The plaza serves as the core of the resort, Minton says.
Sweetgrass Inn also has a rooftop venue for weddings and events, and there’s a rooftop bar called The Nest. “The ocean views are phenomenal,” Minton adds.
The original Boardwalk Inn has its own charm. Behind it is The Grand Pavilion, where you’ll find two pools, a beachside bar and restaurant, the racquet sports center, and the resort’s bustling Boardwalk. Other accommodation options include villas and home rentals that go all the way up to a 10-bedroom house for large groups.
Wild Dunes offers a variety of delectable dining experiences, from the higher end fine dining experience at Coast Provisions (inspired by Charleston’s rich sailing history), located at the Boardwalk Inn, to the slightly more casual Oystercatcher at Sweetgrass, which serves a sustainable seafood-focused, fusion menu, accompanied by a selection of signature cocktails.
Other food options include the Beachside Burgers and Bar, Coastal Crust pizzeria, Huey’s on the Links (Southern flair like fried green tomatoes), and the Laughing Gull at the Boardwalk, which is outdoors with lots of screens to watch sports, poolside service and cabanas.
Finally, if you’re into pickleball or tennis, there’s not a better spot anywhere in the country perhaps. Six new pickleball courts were recently added, and there are daily programs (run by the new pickleball pro), drills, and games you can join. And the tennis program, which features a dozen har-tru courts, has a stellar reputation. With its own pro shop and great instruction program, it’s been awarded the Gold Medal by Tennis Resorts Online, ranking it among the top five in the nation.
