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, found on an idyllic barrier island just outside of Charleston called Isle of Palms, isn’t on your radar yet, it definitely should be.

This magnificent resort, found 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 and the posh and inviting resort property a must-visit.

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. “At Wild Dunes, you get to experience classic low country golf with an engaging variety of holes. We’re known for some great oceanfront holes, holes that play along the intracoastal waterway as well as classic Tom Fazio parkland-style holes. The marshes, wildlife, dunes formations, and tremendous natural features really shape a one-of-kind golf experience that’s true to the region.”

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 – which features several holes along the intercoastal waterway – significantly more playable and enjoyable. Fazio’s Design team, led by lead designer Bryan Bowers, added subtle undulation and more pinnable areas to those greens for a greater variety of short-game-shot options and an improved putting experience with smooth TifEagle Bermauda greens. “Locals and members are already enjoying how much more accepting and fun the greens are and the course has greater visual appeal and playability,” Minton said. “Great holes like 17 and 18 are even better than before and, overall, the golf course is just more aesthetically pleasing, strategic, and fun.”

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 took the opportunity to redesign those three holes, which, frankly, you could never replicate today because golf holes simply aren’t being constructed right along intracoastal waterways anymore. It’s a rare, special setting to play those holes with boats going by and allure of the area just surrounding you. The views of the waterway are dramatically better now and you have more options into and around those greens,” Minton said. “That’s an iconic section of the golf course that’s built to play interestingly and dramatically over the long run.”

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 oceanside hole, which had been a victim of storms and erosion over the years, was shortened from a par 5 to a par 3. The last three holes are along the Atlantic Ocean and the shortened finishing hole is as intimidating as ever, playing a windswept 185 yards from the back tee with the ocean on the framing the green.

“The last hole plays like a 3-plus for most people because the wind is ever-present and the hole asks you make one more great swing in order to earn that last par,” Minto says. “The wind is usually howling in your face, or when it’s dead downwind, it can be a serious challenging choosing 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 can be a successful option.

The Links Course features a grass driving range and manicured short game area while the putting green on the Harbor Course is unique in that it now connects seamlessly with the ninth green.

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 ideal for buddy trips, girls trips, bachelor or bachelorette parties, families (especially in the summer), and, of course, couples.

The breathtaking Sweetgrass Inn is home to a new full-service spa, pools, and an inviting, energetic plaza filled with retail shops, a sweet shop, an art gallery, market and a location of the beloved Coastal Crust pizza restaurant. The plaza - along with the private beach area and dazzling pool areas - is the heartbeat 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 at Wild Dunes are phenomenal,” Minton adds. “The setting here, whether you’re on the beach or somewhere overlooking it, captures the special essence that make the region and Isle of Palms so unforgettable.”

The original Boardwalk Inn has its own refined charm. Behind it is The Grand Pavilion, where you’ll find stunning beach access, 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 (but no-less incredible) Oystercatcher at Sweetgrass Inn, which serves a sumptuous and sustainable seafood-focused, fusion menu, accompanied by a winning selection of signature cocktails.

Other food options include the Beachside Burgers and Bar, Huey’s on the Links (Southern flair like fried green tomatoes), and the Laughing Gull at the Boardwalk, which is outdoors with ample screens to watch sports, poolside service and cabanas.

Finally, if you’re into pickleball or tennis, Wild Dunes is one of the finest racquet and paddle spots anywhere in the country. 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.

Book your oceanfront escape to Wild Dunes Resort today!