Haig Point Club & Community Association, situated on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, has formally endorsed “Project Harmony,” a forward-thinking, multi-year investment plan designed to propel the community into its next growth phase. This initiative signifies a remarkable consensus among its members, focusing on significant enhancements to golf facilities, crucial infrastructure upgrades, and strategic residential development.
Renowned for its distinctive island setting, accessible only by boat, Haig Point is celebrated for its Rees Jones-designed Signature Course, previously recognized among the nation’s elite golf venues. Project Harmony, representing a substantial $40 million investment, aims to build upon this esteemed foundation. Its core objectives are to meticulously restore, refine, and modernize the club’s golf offerings, while synchronizing infrastructure and residential expansion to ensure enduring value for the community.
“Haig Point already provides an exceptional golf and club experience,” stated Don W. Hunter Jr., CEO/General Manager. “This initiative, supported by 77 percent of our membership, is dedicated to enhancing our already outstanding golf course, modernizing it for contemporary play, and cultivating a more versatile playing experience for our members. Simultaneously, we are committed to enriching the unique island lifestyle that defines Haig Point.”
A central pillar of Project Harmony is the comprehensive uplift of the Signature Course. This involves sustained investment in its infrastructure, agronomy, and overall playability. Key improvements include:
- Continued investment in course infrastructure and agronomic systems.
- Integration of previously planned bunker restoration and enhancements.
- Long-term strategic planning for irrigation and turf sustainability.
- Strategic adjustments designed to align with modern playing expectations and enhance the golfer’s experience.
Architect Rees Jones has outlined significant revisions for the Signature Course, encompassing:
- Reshaping, realigning, and laser-leveling all tee boxes.
- Partial rebuilding of all greens (excluding holes 1 and 15), with a focus on regrading approaches.
- Complete reconstruction of greens on holes 1 and 15.
- Reshaping of all bunkers to a contemporary design.
- Reconstruction of bunkers utilizing Bunker Solutions technology.
- Regrading of fairways.
- Re-grassing greens with TifEagle turf.
- Re-grassing fairways, tees, and roughs with Tahoma 31 turf.
- Vegetation management in and around wetland areas to improve hole aesthetics and water views.
- Repair and maintenance of cart paths as needed.
Under the guidance of Director of Agronomy Randy Moody, the course conditions have already seen marked improvement, demonstrating strong winter performance and a disciplined approach to maintenance and planning.
“This is not about reinventing the course,” Hunter emphasized. “It’s about restoring and refining it to its fullest potential, ensuring it performs at a high level for years to come.”
Project Harmony also involves transforming the Osprey Course into a high-quality, nine-hole design under Rees Jones’s direction. This new layout will complement the Signature Course and expand playing opportunities for members. Hunter believes the Osprey Course has the potential to become one of the region’s premier nine-hole experiences, enhancing the overall golf offering at Haig Point.
Key improvements planned for the Osprey Course include a new irrigation system, the addition of 21 new forward tee options to create a distinct par-3 course, and a new short game practice area.
The comprehensive renovations of both the Signature and Osprey Courses will be executed in three distinct phases over a three-year period:
- Phase 1: Osprey Course and Short Game Area โ Late 2026 to November 2027.
- Phase 2: Signature Course Front 10 โ Early 2028 to November 2028.
- Phase 3: Signature Course Back 10 โ Early 2029 to November 2029.
Hunter stated that the objective is to ensure 18 holes of golf remain available to members throughout this three-year renovation period.
Duininck Golf has been selected to manage the on-course construction work for both courses.
A critical element enabling the successful execution of Project Harmony is the establishment of a new barge company, which commenced operations in April. For a community accessible solely by boat, an efficient material transportation system is paramount. The new barge operation will:
- Increase the efficiency and reliability of material transport.
- Shorten construction timelines.
- Generate significant cost savings for builders and investors.
- Support large-scale golf and infrastructure improvements.
“This provides a tangible advantage for construction and maintenance on the island,” Hunter explained. “It allows us to execute more efficiently and with greater control over both cost and timing.”
Project Harmony is already yielding tangible progress in residential development. Haig Point has successfully expanded its builder network, with new partners actively involved and multiple homes currently undergoing permitting or construction. The community’s long-term strategy aims for a sustainable pace of approximately 25 new homes annually.
“These are real projects in progress,” Hunter affirmed. “Not mere concepts or projections โ these are homes being permitted and built today. That’s a crucial distinction and a strong indicator of our momentum.”
The 77 percent member approval for Project Harmony underscores a level of consensus that is increasingly vital in today’s market and uncommon within private club environments. This alignment facilitates clear decision-making, consistent execution, and bolstered confidence among potential buyers and investors.
“This alignment allows us to move forward with discipline,” Hunter concluded. “It instills market confidence, assuring everyone that this is a community with a clear direction and the capability to execute its vision.”
