On the Tee

DATAW ISLAND, South Carolina – Just miles away from historic and beautiful Beaufort is Dataw Island, an effortlessly charming coastal community ideal for casting aside the travails of everyday life. Dataw’s first golf course, Cotton Dike, is a shining example of what Lowcountry golf is all about.

This charming layout separates itself from the pack by producing stunning panoramic views of marshland as far as the eye can see. The narrow fairways and prevalent water hazards require accuracy off the tee but leave players with plenty of options when considering how to approach each hole.

Tom Fazio’s design isn’t terribly long, playing just less than 6,800 yards from the back tees. If you’re playing from the most difficult distances, forced carries will come into play every now and then. This is especially true on the tee at No. 9, which requires a tee shot over a significant marsh area before you can safely land on the fairway. The ubiquitous presence of water is what makes this course so special. Almost half of the 18 holes lie along the marsh and Jenkins Creek.