Daufuskie Island Golf Courses

Off the coast of South Carolina, Daufuskie Island remains a hidden gem, largely undeveloped and free from the hustle and bustle of city life. Amidst its historic sites and natural beauty, the island offers a modern amenity – exceptional golf. It boasts three prestigious golf courses that stand tall among the nation’s finest.

• Melrose Golf Course 
• Bloody Point Golf Course
• Daufuskie Island Golf Course

Melrose Golf Course on the northern end brings a Scottish links-style experience with wide open fairways dotted with windswept live oaks. Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, the course challenges golfers with undulating greens and strategic bunkers. 

Bloody Point Golf Course, located further south, offers a traditional tree-lined layout winding around tranquil lagoons and tidal marshland. Centrally located is Daufuskie Island Golf Club, with scenic Intracoastal views rounding out the island’s trifecta of courses.

Read on to discover what makes golfing Daufuskie a world-class bucket list experience for players of all skill levels.

Melrose Golf Course

As the island’s only public golf course, the links-style Melrose Golf Course brings a taste of Scottish seaside golf to Daufuskie Island. Located on the island’s northern end, Melrose was masterfully crafted by renowned golf architect Donald Ross in the 1920s. Ross aimed to maximize views of the surrounding waterways from the course’s perched location.

Today, Melrose presents a sporty test of target golf. Wide fairways appeal to average golfers but lead to large undulating greens protected by deep bunkers. Strategic placement of hazards requires thoughtful course management. Five sets of tees allow players to choose their challenge level. The historic Melrose Manor clubhouse provides first-class amenities after the round, with dining options, a bar, and an expansive outdoor deck.

Course Layout & Holes

Melrose stretches to 6507 yards from the back tees with a par of 72 across 18 holes. Standout holes include:

• The 201-yard par 3 5th hole requires a long iron over water to a two-tiered green. Birdies are rare on this testy hole.
• The par 4 12th hole demands precise placement off the tee. Find the fairway or face bogey after your ball disappears in the dense foliage.
• The closing 18th hole brings risk/reward with a lake edging the right side of the generous fairway. Long drives must avoid a creek guarding the green.

Practice Facilities

Melrose offers dedicated practice facilities to sharpen your skills. The driving range has multiple targets and distances to dial in your iron and driver. Practice greens mimic the speed and undulation of the course greens. For a short game, use the chipping green with a practice bunker.

Accolades & Awards

Melrose continues to earn acclaim as one of America’s finest courses:

• Currently ranks #12 on South Carolina’s Top 30 Courses list by Golf Digest
• Voted in the Top 10 Courses in South Carolina list by Golfweek magazine
• Hosts the annual Heritage Golf Classic tournament on the Carolinas PGA tour
• Selected as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest

Stay & Play Packages

Melrose offers stay-and-play packages at the elegant Melrose Golf & Beach Resort for the ultimate golf getaway. Guests enjoy deluxe accommodations, unlimited golf, and breakfast daily. Other amenities include a pool, tennis courts, clubhouse dining, and guided island excursions like kayaking through pristine marshland.

Bloody Point Golf Course

At the southern tip of Daufuskie Island lies the secluded Bloody Point Golf Course, an exclusive private layout open only to members and resort guests. Established in 1984, Bloody Point balances picturesque low-country beauty and challenging play for all skill levels across 18 holes.

Bloody Point winds through inland lagoons, moss-draped forests, and marshland maintained as an Audubon-certified nature sanctuary. Ten holes run along the Intracoastal Waterway. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand shot-making finesse. Variable winds enhance the difficulty. Golfers encounter diverse ecosystems and wildlife like alligators, egrets, deer, and even the island’s wild horses.

Course Layout & Holes

Bloody Point Golf Course stretches 6,756 yards from the back tees with a par of 71. Notable holes include:

• The par 4 7th hole runs perilously along the marsh. Longer drives must carry over the wetlands to reach the green safely.
• The par 5 10th hole tempts players to cut the corner over water for a better approach angle to the green.
• The par 4 13th hole requires a straight tee shot through a chute of oak trees to a green fronted by bunkers.

Practice Facilities

Bloody Point’s practice facilities prepare you for the course’s challenges. The driving range has multiple targets and a chipping and putting area to hone short-game technique.

Accolades & Awards

Bloody Point earns acclaim within the golf community:

• Ranked #3 on Golf Digest’s “Best Courses in South Carolina” list every year since 2019
• Voted within the Top 10 of South Carolina’s “Places You Can Play” by Golfweek
• Named among “Top 100 Golf Courses Remade By Leading Architects” by Links magazine

Stay & Play Packages

Bloody Point offers luxurious stay-and-play packages at the exclusive Haig Point community for the ultimate golf getaway. Guests stay in private residences with gourmet meals, golf carts, access to the course, beach club, lighthouse, equestrian center, and miles of private beaches.

Daufuskie Island Golf Club

Daufuskie Island Golf Club, located centrally on a peninsula extending into the Intracoastal Waterway, rounds out Daufuskie’s courses. Established in 1975, this semi-private course offers 18 holes of low-country golf.

The layout winds through maritime forests, lagoons, and marshland habitats maintained as an Audubon sanctuary. Views of the Intracoastal feature prominently along the course. Design varied tee options to accommodate all skill levels. After the round, relax on the scenic veranda at the historic Daufuskie Island Clubhouse.

Course Layout & Holes

Daufuskie Island Golf Club stretches 6,657 yards from the back tees with a par of 71. Notable holes include:

• The par-4 10th hole requires a straight drive over water and an approach to a green fronted by a waste bunker.
• The tricky par 3 15th hole is set entirely on an island surrounded by marshland.
• The majestic 18th hole offers risk/reward with a drivable par 4 green within reach after a well-placed drive.

Practice Facilities

The practice tee lets players warm up with a picturesque view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The short game area has a practice bunker and green to refine your chipping, pitching, and sand saves.

Accolades & Awards

Recent recognition includes:

• Voted among America’s “Top 100 Most Affordable Course Renovations” by Golf Digest
• Named a “Top Ten Hidden Gem in South Carolina” by Golf Advisor user reviews
• Selected within Golfshake’s “Top Hidden Gem Golf Courses USA & UK”

When to Play Golf on Daufuskie

With mild year-round weather, Daufuskie Island offers ideal golfing conditions at any time:

• March to May for warmer days and greener landscapes
• June to August to enjoy the long summer evenings and ocean breezes
• September to November for smaller crowds and affordable rates
• December to February for more relaxed rounds to escape the inland winter chill

Getting There

Catch the passenger ferry from Hilton Head or Bluffton, then arrange island transportation to the courses. Resort packages include golf carts or shuttle service. You can also rent a golf cart on arrival to easily move around the island.

Experience low-country golfing at its finest on Daufuskie Island. Stay flexible on these prestigious courses to account for ocean winds and varied conditions. And be sure to pause and appreciate the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty that enhances the playing experience on Melrose, Daufuskie, and Bloody Point courses.