Fazio's second act at Wild Dunes, where the Intracoastal Waterway replaces the ocean and the green fees drop accordingly.
Tom Fazio returned to Wild Dunes Resort six years after his debut Links Course to build the Harbor Course, which opened in 1986. Where the Links Course saves its coastal drama for the finishing holes along the Atlantic, the Harbor Course draws its character from the Intracoastal Waterway and the marsh system that borders Isle of Palms to the west. The result is a layout with a different personality: quieter, more sheltered, and priced below its older sibling.
At 6,733 yards from the longest tees with a par of 70, a rating of 71.4, and a slope of 139, the Harbor Course is compact and strategically interesting. The par of 70 means fewer par 5s and a routing that emphasizes precision over distance. The slope of 139 indicates real design substance beneath the accessible green fees. Fazio used the Intracoastal Waterway holes to create memorable moments within the round, and the marsh views across the back nine offer the Lowcountry landscape that draws visitors to this part of South Carolina.
The course has undergone significant renovation since its original construction, and the Bermuda grass surfaces are maintained to the same standard as the Links Course. The conditioning difference between the two Wild Dunes courses is negligible; the distinction is in the setting and the price. The Harbor Course lacks oceanfront holes, which is reflected in green fees that range from $63 to $209 with dynamic pricing by season and day of week. The waterway holes compensate with a different kind of visual interest. The Intracoastal is a working waterway, and the sight of boats passing while you line up a tee shot adds a layer of atmosphere that ocean courses do not provide.
The par of 70 gives the routing a distinctive feel. With fewer par 5s, the course leans on its par 4s to provide variety and challenge. Several of these mid-length holes require precise positioning off the tee to set up favourable approach angles, and the greens are contoured with enough subtlety to reward players who pay attention to pin positions during the round.
Wild Dunes is managed by Hyatt as a Destination by Hyatt property. Booking is available through the resort directly or through GolfNow. The resort phone number is (843) 886-2164. The resort sits on Isle of Palms, approximately 25 to 35 minutes from downtown Charleston depending on traffic.
The Harbor Course works particularly well as a complement to the Links Course during a Wild Dunes stay, or as a standalone round for golfers based in Charleston who want resort-quality golf at a price that does not require resort-level commitment. At the lower end of its fee range, it represents one of the strongest values in the greater Charleston area. The phone number for tee time inquiries is (843) 886-2164. A golfer who plays the Harbor Course in the morning and the Links Course in the afternoon will spend less combined than a single round at most Kiawah resort courses, and the quality of both rounds will justify the day.
Rees Jones along the Intracoastal Waterway in Mount Pleasant, public access, cart included, and no resort gate to clear.
Tom Fazio's first solo commission, revised and reopened on the Isle of Palms oceanfront.
The most affordable entry point to Kiawah resort golf, set among marshland and oak canopy just outside the main gate.
The Kiawah course that resort guests return to, routed through freshwater lakes and Lowcountry marsh.
Arnold Palmer's marshland routing along the Wando River, with 13 waterside holes and green fees that start at $50.
Built for a Ryder Cup, defined by the Atlantic, and still the most demanding seaside test in American golf.
Fazio's inland Kiawah layout along the river and tidal creeks, sheltered from the wind that defines the Ocean Course.
Jack Nicklaus on a barrier island, with three oceanfront holes and a 2016 renovation that sharpened every edge.