Charleston's Wild Dunes Resort Reopens Redesigned 18th Hole of Links Course

ISLE OF PALMS, SC - Golfers can once again enjoy one of the Charleston area's most acclaimed par 5 finishing holes at Wild Dunes Resort, with the reopening of the famed oceanfront 18th hole of the award-winning Links Course on June 12 following a redesign led by golf architect Tom Fazio.

The reopening closes the chapter on the beach erosion cycle that temporarily shut down the signature hole that's brought critical acclaim to the Charleston golf resort for three decades. Following a months-long building project to restore the hole, Wild Dunes' Links Course once again offers two stunning finishing holes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

"The 17th and 18th holes of the Links Course are two of the more spectacular finishing holes in the Southeast," said Tom Fazio, the course's original designer. "Playing on the ocean and amongst the dunes is as premier a location as you can get. It was true when the course was designed more than two decades ago, and it's still true today."

Fazio worked with the Resort to determine how to best rebuild the 18th hole after a significant portion of it washed away due to natural causes. The redesign came on the heels of an extensive beach restoration project in May 2008, led by the City of Isle of Palms, which replenished shoreline that had been gradually receding for a decade.

Golfers will enjoy strategically placed bunkers, sweeping ocean views and updated design features that make for slightly more challenging risk-reward shots.

"We're ecstatic about the comeback of the Links Course's signature hole," said Jeff Minton, director of golf and sports at Wild Dunes Resort. "The course was Fazio's first acclaimed solo design, and working with him to update the famed finishing hole was a tremendous opportunity. I think players will be very pleased."

To celebrate, Wild Dunes Resort is offering one of South Carolina's most appealing golf vacation specials. The All Day Unlimited Play package allows guests to play as many rounds as possible - from dawn to dusk - on both the Resort's golf courses, the Links Course and the Harbor Course. This golf package, which includes a two night stay at Wild Dunes' newest accommodation, the Village at Wild Dunes, starts at $190 per person per night based on four guests.

For videos of the revamped 18th hole, as well as information on how to play it, visit www.wilddunes.com/golf.