Par-fection! That’s the most appropriate and punniest way to describe our April front cover. Spring is synonymous with three things: pollen, allergies and finally, golf season. The green and yellow color scheme is not from the powdery allergen that is floating around and sticking to everything and everyone. It’s a tribute to the greatest game ever played and arguably the most difficult exam in all of golf -- The Masters. A tradition unlike any other. For non-golfers or beginners just picking up the game, The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, held every year at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. It’s known for its Southern charm, pageantry, tranquility and otherworldly beauty. About the Cover A tradition unlike any other By Zach Giroux 5 IslandVibesIOP.com NEWS Harbor Course $8M renovation to enhance drainage, limit flooding Stormwater protection plan pending legal review By L. C. Leach III Since its opening in 1985, the Harbor Golf Course at Wild Dunes has received a lot of kudos: challenging design, beautiful views of marshes and lagoons and varied play and strategy to test the skills of even the most avid golfer. Now, this Tom Fazio-designed course is getting a more than $8 million makeover, with the intention of not only maintaining its top level of play, but to keep the course from eventually falling to growing floodwaters and storms. “This is the first renovation on this big of a scale since the 1985 opening,” said Terri Haack, managing director for Wild Dunes Resort. “Renovation will happen to varying degrees on all 18 holes.” The scope of work, which began March 3, will include rebuilding and enlarging greens and tee complexes, renovating cart paths and a new irrigation system to allow for more efficient golf course watering, leading to water conservation. “Work is scheduled to be completed at the end of October 2025,” Haack said. “Holes 9 and 10 that parallel the Intracoastal Waterway will be raised in elevation to assist in seasonal tidal flooding.” As flooding has become an ongoing issue across the island, the City of Isle of Palms is seeking to enter into an agreement with Wild Dunes to earmark $600,000 to incorporate flood protection work into the course renovations. This desired arrangement came on the heels of the city’s intention to implement a stormwater resiliency project that includes the construction of a flood barrier elevated to 6 feet across central portions of the island – later upgraded to 7 feet after a December 2023 storm. However, this potential arrangement has stalled due to a legal review of how the money would flow from the city to Wild Dunes to the contractor. “That legal review put the ownership in an uneasy position,” said City Administrator Douglas Kerr during the March 11 IOP City Council workshop. “Their ownership feels like if it’s their contractor and their property, it’s going to be seen as their project – and that there is additional liability that they’re assuming by participating with us.” At this point, Kerr recommended two possible courses of action: to either salvage the potential agreement, by the city working with Wild Dunes to appease their concerns, or to fall back on the original plan of protecting up to 6 feet. “Unfortunately, that plan puts that protection on the wrong side of those properties that they are concerned about,” Kerr said, adding that the only way to realistically go from 6 feet of protection to 7 feet “is to do it within the limits of the golf course.” “And there’s a very short window here to have all this pulled together,” Kerr said. Haack, however, believes that the partnership will eventually be worked out. “We have a strong desire to work with the City of Isle of Palms,” she said. “Long-term liability issues for both sides need to be resolved before moving forward.” Picture a perfectly manicured course with luscious rolling hills, scattered with vibrant azaleas and magnolias and not a blade of grass out of place. It’s so immaculate you could eat a pimento cheese sandwich off the fairways and greens. However, be sure not to get any stains on the trophy, the coveted Green Jacket. The same can be said for the Harbor and Links golf courses within Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms. These two world-class golf courses were both designed by legendary golf course designer and architect Tom Fazio and offer a quintessential South Carolina golf experience while enjoying stunning views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Harbor Golf Course (pictured on the cover), challenges players with its intricate layout and stunning water features complete with lagoons and salt marshes. The Links Course, Fazio's first-ever design, features rustling palms, lush rolling fairways and breathtaking oceanic views. Fortunately, our team and the Easter Bunny received a special invitation to come play. The kind and accommodating pro shop staff even provided us with clubs and golf carts. After rolling a few putts the Easter Bunny swiftly became a natural. He even won his very own Green Jacket. Better watch out, Jack! Get well soon Tiger so we can hear you roar once again. Get outside and tee it up because spring fun is officially in full swing. Happy Easter and Merry Masters! To book a tee time or reservation, visit hyatt. com/destination-by-hyatt/wilddunes-charleston-island-resort/experiences/golf. Construction crews begin excavation on the Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort.
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