Haig Point Club & Community Association, located on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, has unveiled a forward-thinking and comprehensive strategy for its future known as Project Harmony.
This significant, multi-year investment initiative has received formal approval from the Club, reflecting a remarkable consensus among its members. Project Harmony is designed to propel the community into its next growth phase, encompassing advancements in golf, infrastructure, and residential development.
Daufuskie Island, accessible only by boat, is home to Haig Point, a golf destination distinguished by its Rees Jones-designed Signature Course, which has previously been recognized among America’s top 100 courses.
With a $40 million investment, Project Harmony aims to build upon the existing coastal lifestyle by meticulously restoring, refining, and modernizing the club’s golf facilities. Simultaneously, it will align infrastructure and residential expansion to ensure sustained long-term value.
“Haig Point already offers all the elements of an exceptional golf and club experience,” stated Don W. Hunter Jr., CEO/General Manager. “This initiative, supported by 77 percent of our membership, focuses on enhancing our already strong golf course and updating it for contemporary play. The goal is to create a more comprehensive and adaptable playing experience for our members while enriching the unique island lifestyle that defines Haig Point.”
The core of Project Harmony lies in its commitment to elevate the Signature Course through ongoing investments in its infrastructure, agronomy, and overall playability.
The course will undergo a series of enhancements, including:
- Continued investment in course infrastructure and agronomic systems.
- Integration of previously planned bunker restoration and improvements.
- Long-term strategic planning for irrigation and turf sustainability.
- Strategic adjustments to better align with modern golfing expectations.
Rees Jones has planned significant revisions for the course, such as:
- Reshaping, realigning, and laser-leveling all tee boxes.
- Partial rebuilding of all greens (excluding holes 1 and 15), with a focus on regrading approaches.
- Complete reconstruction of greens 1 and 15.
- Reshaping all bunkers to a contemporary style using Bunker Solutions.
- Regrading of fairways.
- Re-grassing of greens with TifEagle.
- Re-grassing of fairways, tees, and rough with Tahoma 31.
- Vegetation management in and around wetlands to enhance hole and water views.
- Necessary repairs and maintenance to cart paths.
Under the guidance of Director of Agronomy Randy Moody, course conditions have already seen notable improvements, demonstrated by strong winter performance and a diligent approach to maintenance and planning.
“This isn’t about reinventing the course,” explained Hunter, a respected figure in the club industry. “It’s about restoring and refining it to its full potential, ensuring it performs at a high level for years to come.”
Project Harmony will also see the transformation of the Osprey Course, under the direction of Rees Jones, into a high-quality, nine-hole layout. This new design will complement the Signature Course and offer expanded playing options for members.
“The opportunity with Osprey is considerable,” Hunter noted. “We believe it can become one of the region’s premier nine-hole experiences, not only serving our membership but also enhancing the overall golf offering at Haig Point.”
Key improvements planned for the Osprey Course include a new irrigation system, the addition of 21 new forward tee options to create a new par-3 course, and a new short game practice area.
All renovation work on both the Signature and Osprey Courses will be executed in three phases over a three-year period:
- Phase 1: Osprey Course and Short Game Area โ Late 2026 to November 2027.
- Phase 2: Signature Course Front 10 โ Early 2028 to November 2028.
- Phase 3: Signature Course Back 10 โ Early 2029 to November 2029.
Hunter indicated that the objective is to ensure 18 holes of golf remain available to the membership throughout this three-year renovation period, from 2026 to 2029.
Duininck Golf has been selected to manage the on-course construction for both courses.
A crucial element for the success of Project Harmony is the establishment of a new barge company, which commenced operations in April. For a community accessible only by boat, a dedicated material transportation company is vital. The new barge operation will provide:
- Increased efficiency and reliability in material transport.
- Reduced construction timelines.
- Significant cost savings for builders and investors.
- Support for large-scale golf and infrastructure improvements.
“This provides a real advantage for how we build and maintain on the island,” Hunter commented. “It allows us to execute more efficiently and with greater control over both cost and timing.”
Project Harmony is already demonstrating tangible progress in residential development. Haig Point has successfully expanded its builder network, with new partners actively involved and multiple homes currently in the permitting or construction stages. The community aims to maintain a sustainable pace of approximately 25 new homes annually as part of its long-term strategy.
“These are actual projects underway,” Hunter emphasized. “Not concepts or projections โ these are homes being permitted and built right now. That’s a significant distinction and a strong indicator of our momentum.”
The 77 percent member approval for Project Harmony highlights a level of unity that is uncommon in private club settings and increasingly valuable in today’s market. This consensus facilitates clear decision-making, consistent execution, and bolsters confidence among prospective buyers and investors.
“Alignment allows us to move forward with discipline,” Hunter concluded. “It gives the market confidence that this is a community with a clear direction and the capability to execute its vision.”
