<strong>Cotton Dike, Morgan River golf courses get $5.4M upgrade by Dataw Island Club</strong>

Representatives of Dataw Island Club have announced the completion of a $5.4 million renovation of the Cotton Dike and Morgan River golf courses within the private, gated community located near the historic town of Beaufort. The renovation project was done in two phases starting with the Tom Fazio designed Cotton Dike Course in 2010, and finishing with the reopening of the popular Arthur Hills Morgan River Signature Course on September 12.
The Morgan River Course, renowned for its massive oaks and water challenges, features dramatic vistas of the Morgan River and the savannas beyond. The renovation of this par-72 course was completed on time and within budget. “In searching for the right word to describe the Morgan River Course,” said designer Arthur Hills, “I came up with the word delightful!”
The decision to renovate the golf courses was made by a vote of the golf membership back in 2010, and the renovations began on the Cotton Dike Course in April 2010.  “The completion of this extensive project is something the membership at Dataw Island has been anticipating for quite some time,” said Ted Bartlett, general manager and chief operating officer of the Dataw Island Club. “Our golf courses were already outstanding, but these renovations have updated them to meet modern golf standards, improve playability for members and guests while enhancing some of the natural features of these great designs.”
The renovations include irrigation replacement on both golf courses, straightening and repair of cart paths, coring and re-contouring greens including the putting green and chipping areas near the clubhouse, improving bunkers on both courses with new drainage, sand and contouring and lake bank restoration in numerous areas, tree pruning on both courses to allow more sunlight on fairways and greens, replanting fairways with newer, shade tolerant turf and golf cart parking improvements at the driving range.
“The renovation project turned out better than we ever expected and will be a great improvement in maintaining course conditions,” said David Warren marketing director of the Dataw Island Club. “This project is a testament to the Dataw Island Club’s commitment to maintaining the finest amenities, and is a bold investment in the club’s future.”
Respected golf course designer company Billy Fuller Golf Design from Atlanta oversaw the work on this project. Fuller launched a golf design company in 2004 after 15 years as a golf course superintendent at several top golf courses in the Southeast, including five years at the esteemed Augusta National Golf Club. Fuller has completed many major renovations of prestigious golf courses across the country, and his work has been praised by Golfweek, the LPGA Tour and Sports Illustrated. “It’s a great privilege and honor to work with Dataw Island Club through the renovation of Cotton Dike and Morgan River,” said Fuller. “Our intent was to bring the course specifications up to par; and by incorporating modern golf design principles, we can ensure the club remains competitive with the marketplace for the next 20 to 30 years.”
For more information about Dataw Island and new membership opportunities, call 843-384-3571 or visit www.Dataw.com.