Wild Dunes Resort – a Destination by Hyatt set on Isle of Palms, S.C., has completed the transformation of its iconic Tom Fazio-designed Harbor Course. With a $9.5 million investment in strategic golf course design enhancements and sustainable infrastructure, the project, which began in March 2025, is expected to be complete by late October.
The Harbor Course has been a centerpiece of the Wild Dunes 36-hole golfing experience for more than four decades. The Fazio Design team, Heritage Links Golf Course Construction, and the Wild Dunes Resort Golf Course Agronomy team collaborated to rebuild and expand all 18 greens to improve the playability, variety, and unique challenge of each golf hole. Several of the course’s bunkers have been reshaped and moved to accommodate modern driving distances and playing areas have been expanded on multiple holes to enhance shot values and strategy.
Each of the Harbor Course’s tee boxes have been rebuilt, leveled and, in some cases, expanded while the irrigation system has been replaced to help optimize turf conditions and water usage. Holes nearest the intercoastal waterway that runs alongside the course were raised several feet to curb flood risk and multiple golf cart bridges have also been restored.
“We’re thrilled about the enhancements to the Harbor Course which have elevated the overall experience for our players,” says Director of Golf, Jeff Minton. “When the Harbor Course reopens in late October, golfers can look forward to newly designed putting surfaces that will challenge their skills, smoother upgraded golf cart paths, and strategically placed bunkers thoughtfully integrated into the existing hole designs. When you factor in the 2015 renovation of our Links Course (Tom Fazio’s first solo golf course design and, to this day, his only seaside design), Wild Dunes Resort is now a must-play 36-hole coastal golf destination.
“This was the first property to bring top-tier resort golf to the Charleston area in 1980; now a whole new generation of golfers is about to fall in love with this captivating golf vacation experience.”
Wild Dunes leadership, golf and hospitality staff will host a grand reopening event at the Harbor Course on November 13, with tee times resuming for the renovated par-70 layout on October 26, 2025.
This project reflects the ongoing commitment of Wild Dunes Resort and its ownership partners, Lowe and Dart Interests, to continuously enhance the famed oceanfront property. By improving its amenities and member and guest experiences, the resort reaffirms its commitment to delivering an exceptional destination for both visitors and the local community.
“We cannot wait for golfers to experience the improved character of the Harbor Course with the expanded and redesigned putting surfaces and a golf course that fits the land beautifully while presenting a playable, approachable design that can test golfers of every skill level in fun and intriguing ways,” said Fazio Design Associate Bryan Bowers. “Wild Dunes is meaningful because it represents the early era of Tom Fazio’s design career and stands the test of time with an enduring and quintessential Lowcountry golf experience.”
Located 30 minutes from historic downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise along the Atlantic shores, offering various accommodations, including the new, coastal-modern Sweetgrass Inn; the AAA Four-Diamond-rated Boardwalk Inn; spacious Residences at Sweetgrass guestrooms, suites, and penthouses; and a collection of private condos and vacation home rentals.
Photos Courtesy of Wild Dunes Resort
