For those golfers who already enjoy the spectacular scenery and beautiful oceanfront views of the Harbor Golf Course at Wild Dunes, your playing experience is about to get even better.
Wild Dunes has announced plans to extensively renovate and upgrade its Harbor Golf Course and perform a restoration on the 18th hole of its Links Golf Course. The estimated $8.5 million renovation is scheduled to begin in March 2024 and be completed in late October 2024, according to Wild Dunes Resort Director of Sports Jeff Minton. The Tom-Fazio designed course will be closed during the renovation.
The project’s scope and design plans are currently underway. The final planning is still being determined; however, Minton said plans currently include replacing the irrigation system and the golf cart paths, rebuilding the putting greens and restoring them to their original size, laser leveling and re-grassing the tee boxes, renovating bunkers and adding strategically-placed bunkers on certain holes. Many of the golf course bridges will be replaced during the closure as well.
Minton noted that these renovations are needed in order to improve the playability of the golf course.
“Over time, the natural elements and constant use can alter the layout and features of a golf course, affecting its playability. Renovations can enhance the course to make it more enjoyable and challenging for players of various skill levels. Trends in golf course design and technology also have evolved. This renovation will modernize the course to align with these changes, which will ultimately improve the overall experience for golfers.”
Although the Harbor Course will be closed beginning in March, you can still satisfy your Wild Dunes golf fix while you await its reopening. The Links Course, also designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, is not being renovated next year and will remain open for public play. The 18th hole on the Links Course is currently a par 3 and plans are underway to restore it back to a par 4 or par 5. The Links Course will stay open during any refurbishments that may take place.
This is the first major renovation to the Harbor Golf Course since it opened in 1985. The Links Course was renovated in 2015.
For more information on the Wild Dunes golf courses, visit destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/golf.
By Colin McCandless
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