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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Haig Point Club

83

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Established
1986
Architect
Rees Jones (1986, 2007, 2026 renovation)
Access
Private
Par
Par 76
Length
5,440 – 6,900 yds
The verdict

Strategic Island Sanctuary

Haig Point Club delivers a memorable blend of lowcountry beauty, island seclusion, and strategic shotmaking. The course's flexible routing and multi-era Rees Jones design keep every round fresh, with upcoming renovations promising even more polished conditions.

Course DNA
Difficulty
73
Scenery
82
Conditioning
85
Shot Variety
86
Walkability
70
Green Complexity
81
Wow Factor
87
Design Quality
84
At a glance

Quick facts

Location
Only accessible by ferry on Daufuskie Island
Founding Family
Site first settled in 1735 by George Haig
Signature Feature
Flexible 20-hole routing with alternate greens
Architect of Record
Rees Jones, the 'Open Doctor'
Major Renovation
2026–2029 Project Harmony overhaul
Island Wildlife
Known for birdlife, moss-draped oaks, marsh views
Member Reviews
GolfPass 4.93/5 star average
The design

The architecture

Haig Point’s Signature Course showcases the ambitious vision of Rees Jones, with a rare 20-hole design tailored to maximize the strategic possibilities of Daufuskie Island’s windswept, lowcountry land. The course blends bold alternate routings, flexible tee and green options, and a smart balance between shotmaking challenge and playability. Project Harmony’s renovation will further modernize the surface, bunker, and drainage quality, while leaving the course’s unique identity and strengths intact. Expect a thoughtful, ever-evolving test that rewards both brains and ball-striking.

Rees Jones is famed for his strategic championship renovations, and at Haig Point he delivered one of his most flexible and innovative original works.

Defining features
  • Alternate green complexes for creative routing
  • Expansive fairways framed by marsh and native oaks
  • Elevated tee shots with tidal and ocean vistas
  • Meticulously bunkered greens and landing zones
  • Tactical approach angles and layup options
  • Restored, modernized greens under Project Harmony
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 4

Lowcountry Risk-Reward Reach

PAR
5
YARDAGE
570 yds

This lengthy par 5 tempts players with a reachable green for big hitters, but demands precision to avoid marshlands and well-placed fairway bunkers. The hole sweeps along native grasses, calling for a bold choice on the second shot if the wind allows.

Play it smart

Choose between a calculated layup or risking it all to reach the green in two; positioning off the tee is paramount.

Where it bites

Pull the second shot and your ball is marooned in salt marsh—birdie or disaster awaits.

Course management

Shots to think about

Second shot on par-5 4th with wind at your back
If you feel the breeze, trust a strong fairway wood or hybrid but keep it center-right—marsh flanks the left and deep.
Approach to marsh side greens when tide is high
Club up to ensure you clear the front marsh carry, and take your miss short and right rather than challenging the pin.
Tee shot on short par-4 12th
Lay up with a long iron unless you’re certain of your line—missing the green brings unpredictable bounces.
Windy day club selection on par-3 5th
Trust your yardage and pick an extra club if the sea breeze kicks up unexpectedly; under-clubbing here is a common mistake.
Finishing drive on 18th with match on the line
Aim for the center cut—avoid forcing a fade or draw under pressure; a fairway find is more valuable than ten extra yards.
Long iron or hybrid from sidehill lie
Focus on balance and tempo; accept the green's center and don’t chase back pin locations with a poor stance.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Impeccable turf, fresh construction on greens and bunkers from Project Harmony, and typically firm, modern presentation.

Pace

Relaxed members’ club pace—expect to finish in under four hours, largely free of outside traffic.

Vibe

Upscale, genuinely welcoming, and unhurried—ferry arrival sets the tone for a destination escape.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Book Your Ferry Well in Advance

Transport on and off the island is ferry-only; missed times can derail your tee slot.

02

Caddie or Cart Options Vary

Check with the club in advance for updated walk/caddie policies, especially during renovation construction.

03

Bring Wind-Ready Clubs

Coastal exposure, even inland, means shifting gusts are always part of life at Haig Point.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1735

    George Haig purchases Daufuskie Island property

  2. 1986

    Signature Course opens, designed by Rees Jones

  3. 1989

    Ranked #68 in the world by GOLF magazine

  4. 2007

    Rees Jones returns for greens restoration and design refresh

  5. 2026

    Major Project Harmony renovation begins

Stories & legends

What makes it special

architecture

The 20-Hole Experiment

Unlike traditional 18-hole routings, Haig Point originally opened with 20 holes, offering strategic alternate greens and deep flexibility in how the course is played—fueling endless debates about the club’s ultimate test and replay value.

travel

Getting There: By Ferry Only

Access to Haig Point involves a scenic ferry ride across Calibogue Sound, setting a one-of-a-kind tone for your round and making every arrival feel like a special event reserved for those in the know.

restoration

Project Harmony: Next Chapter

The upcoming multi-year Project Harmony renovation will see state-of-the-art improvements to greens, bunkers, and turf—further fine-tuning the club’s playability and presentation while honoring Jones’s original vision.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Haig Point’s course was once ranked among the world's top 70 by GOLF magazine.

2

The club pioneered a 20-hole routing, offering unmatched replay variety.

3

Only reachable by private ferry from Hilton Head Island—no bridges or car access.

4

Project Harmony will keep 18 holes playable even during renovation construction.

5

Native oaks and tidal marshes provide rare wildlife and photographic moments.

Build the trip

If you're making a South Carolina island escape out of it

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Harbour Town Golf Links
Resort

PGA Tour venue, peerless Pete Dye design

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III
Resort/Public

Modern links flavor, Sea Pines convenience

Palmetto Dunes – Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront
Public/Resort

Ocean views, friendly resort service

Old South Golf Links
Public

Playably priced, tidal marsh vistas

Hilton Head Island’s south end—Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes for easy ferry and dinner access

Course DNA

If You Like Haig Point Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

The architect's other work

More from Rees Jones

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island, SC

PGA Championship and Ryder Cup venue

Bethpage Black (Restoration)

Farmingdale, NY

U.S. Open and PGA Championship host

Atlantic Golf Club

Bridgehampton, NY

Top-tier Hamptons private club

Torrey Pines (South) Rework

La Jolla, CA

Modernized for U.S. Open play

Torrey Pines Resort Course

La Jolla, CA

Restoration/remodel, championship venue

From the community

Community Sentiment

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