Dataw Island News

Dataw Island Cotton Dike Course Reopens to Great Reviews

DATAW ISLAND SC- Dataw Island Club’s popular Cotton Dike Golf Course reopens for play this week following a much-anticipated, multi-million dollar facelift. The Tom Fazio-designed course, renowned for its stunning views of Jenkins Creek and the surrounding tidal marshes, has been updated to meet modern golf standards and improve playability for members and guests.

“The course plays beautifully” said Dataw Club member Sonny Googins, “Cotton Dike is a challenge for the best and average golfer on Dataw and truly a joy to play”

John Weaber a Dataw Club member and resident went on to say, “I have watched this come together for the last year and I could not be happier with the results. The course is a pleasure to play. All of the members at Dataw should be quite proud of Cotton Dike”.

As part of the six-month renovation project, 17 of the greens were cored out and re-contoured. All of the greens on the 18-hole course, as well as the putting green and chipping area near the Clubhouse, were re-grassed with MiniVerde Ultra Dwarf Bermudagrass, providing a smooth consistent putting surface for players. Fairways were converted to Celebration Bermuda, a grass better suited for shade and heat.

Atlanta’s Billy Fuller Golf Design oversaw the work, part of a $5.4-million project that also will include the renovation of Dataw Island’s Morgan River course next spring. Cotton Dike’s makeover will ensure “the club remains competitive with the marketplace for the next 20 to 30 years,” Fuller said.

A former superintendent of Augusta National Golf Club and Design Associate and Senior Agronomist with Cupp Design, Fuller has completed a number of major renovations of prestigious golf courses across the country since opening the company in 2004. His design work has earned the praise and recognition of Sports Illustrated, the LPGA Tour and Golf Week.

An important element of the Cotton Dike renovation included the replacement of the now-antiquated hydraulic irrigation system that was installed when the course was built in 1985. Once Lowcountry marshland, the course terrain was drained a century ago by dikes built to create additional land for cotton fields during the great plantation days of Dataw Island. Almost half of the 18 holes lie along the marsh and the winding creek.

Bunkers also were improved with new drainage, sand and contouring. Lake banks were restored in numerous areas and trees were pruned to allow more sunlight on the fairways and greens.

“The newly renovated Cotton Dike course turned out wonderfully and will be a great improvement in condition and design,” said Ted Bartlett, general manager and chief operating officer of the Dataw Island Club. “It’s a testament to the club’s commitment to maintaining the finest amenities and our investment in the future.”

In December, work will begin on Morgan River, the signature Arthur Hills course featuring its own dramatic vistas of the Morgan River and the savannas beyond. The renovation of this Par-72 course is expected to be completed in August 2012.

Dataw Island Club announces new membership program

DATAW ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA – The board of directors of the Dataw Island Club have announced a new membership offering called the Vacation Membership. It is designed to allow potential future residents to join the Dataw Island Club and enjoy a membership in the Club while vacationing on Dataw or in the Beaufort area. This membership category is available to individuals or couples whose primary residence is 50 miles or greater from Dataw Island and are not Dataw Island property owners. The membership includes 30 rounds of golf per year as well as unlimited access to the Club’s eight Har-Tru tennis courts, two croquet lawns, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, community fitness center and three dining facilities.

“We are very excited about this new membership opportunity” comments Silvia Lalinde, director of membership for the Dataw Island Club. “The Vacation Membership allows people to have access to one of the finest private clubs in the Southeast while they vacation in the Beaufort area and gives them a glimpse of the lifestyle they would enjoy if they decided to purchase property on the island.”

The cost to join the Club as a Vacation Member is a one-time initiation fee of $1,500 and annual dues of $1,500. Accommodation rental costs are not included in this membership fee.

For more information about membership offerings at the Dataw Island Club, please contact Silvia Lalinde, director of membership, at 843-838-8261 at via email at info@dataw.com.