Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, SC

One of Tom Fazio's earliest designs, the Links Course at Wild Dunes received a great deal of attention upon opening in 1980, and deserves no less acclaim now in a discussion about the best public courses in South Carolina. The course is kept in prime condition and is truly one of Fazio's great works.

Though it plays just over 6,700 yards, the Links has ample defense. The undulating greens are roughly half the size of those on other notable Fazio courses, making an up-and-down nearly impossible from certain areas. Difficult rough penalizes drives that miss the fairway, and well-placed pot bunkers swallow shots. The elevation change, unusual for the Lowcountry, and the ever-present wind make distance-control a major factor.

Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

The par-4 N. 2 hole only plays 355 yards, but the tee shot is no bargain.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

As the longest par 4 on the course at 430, the 3rd hole offers more room to miss around the green than appears.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Gazing down the fairway from the par-5 5th green shows some of the elevation changes at Wild Dunes, an uncommon characteristic in the Lowcountry.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Rated as the most difficult hole on the course, the 9th gives little room for wayward approach shots.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

The rolling mounds and elevated green of the short par 4 10th are more reminiscent of Whistling Straits than a course in Charleston.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

A two putt is no guarantee on the undulating green of the 10th hole, a perfect example of the greens serving as a major line of defense at The Links

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Though the 11th only plays 376, accuracy is required off the tee for a chance to hit this multi-tiered green in two.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Were it not for the architecture in the horizon, the long par-3 12th could pass for a hole in Ireland.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Another difficult green to putt, the 12th is surrounded by native grass that glows with a hint of purple in the early fall.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

The par-5 14th is reachable in two as long as the player is able to navigate around the large live oak that stands in the center of the fairway.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

A 175-yard par-3, four is a good score on the 16th as bunkers, marsh, and hazards surround the area rug-sized green.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Wildlife is a everywhere near the par-3 16th, as the Atlantic Ocean pours into Dewees Inlet.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

The 17th shows why this course is considered a seaside links.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Approaching the 17th green is a difficult task, as the views of the Atlantic can occupy most of the player's concentration.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Wind is always a factor on the closing holes.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

It would be difficult to find a more stunning tee shot than that offered by the par-5 18th.

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Wild Dunes - Links Course - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Though the 18th could be reachable for longer hitters at only 501, the nasty pot bunker that guards the green forces some conservative play.

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