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
1735
George Haig purchases Daufuskie Island property
1986
Signature Course opens, designed by Rees Jones
1989
Ranked #68 in the world by GOLF magazine
2007
Rees Jones returns for greens restoration and design refresh
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
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Community Sentiment
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