A New Era of Play

With advanced drainage, efficient irrigation, and resilient turf, Callawassie Island is raising the bar for coastal courses.

Callawassie Island is known for its tranquil beauty, distinctive environment, and the community that has thrived within this setting. How does one improve on perfection? By delivering more of an already good thing, making it more advantageous and more playable, offering golfers year-round access and a better playing experience, regardless of weather. 

Led by Billy Bagwell, Callawassie Island’s Director of Agronomy, this “three courses in three years” renovation was no mere face lift. The Tom Fazio designed course has undergone significant transformation that has elevated the grounds to the forefront of modern course construction and sustainability.  

Bagwell, who knows the project and the land by hand, easily recalls the largest components in the recent “course corrections,” citing new drainage technology and maintenance efficiencies including irrigation systems and turf upgrades.  

The Power of Drainage  

The extensive drainage work alone is nothing short of revolutionary, as Bagwell explains. “We installed over 45 miles of drainpipe, and that amount of drainage has been an absolute game-changer for the way our course plays and how quickly we recover from rain events.” As a result, the course drains quickly and efficiently, which means that members can enjoy the course even after heavy rainfall.  

A Tougher Turf 

This monumental drainage installation is part of a larger design and function undertaking to improve water management and enhance the resilience of the course’s turf. More than just resilience, Bagwell’s team has introduced superior turf varieties that better tolerate drought and heavy play, maintaining both aesthetic quality and durability. 

Efficient Irrigation 

In addition to drainage and turf improvements, Callawassie Island has instituted a more efficient irrigation system, of which Billy explains, “The combination of our irrigation system, drainage, and superior turf types really allows us to push the limits of providing a firm, fast, yet aesthetically pleasing golf course.” 

Abundant Beauty 

Maintaining a vivid green course while keeping it firm for optimal playability has traditionally been a challenge, especially when water management is involved. However, thanks to the advanced technology at Callawassie Island, they have found the perfect balance. “It can be difficult to maintain a vivid green color course and have firm conditions,” Billy notes. “But having the ability to put water only where we need it and not where we don’t has really allowed us to dial-in the golf course and achieve that goal.” 

Speedy Recovery & More Playable Days 

One of the most significant benefits of these updates for members is the course’s ability to recover from inclement weather, even when severe. Callawassie Island now boasts quick post-rain recovery, allowing golfers to get back on the course sooner, and more often. “One of the biggest benefits to the members is having a golf course that drains quickly after rain events, which not only helps with overall playability but helps us return golf carts back to the turf off the cart paths more quickly,” Billy explains. “It’s amazing how quickly the courses are completely playable, even after record rainfall.” 

These advancements mean that Callawassie Island members and their guests experience fewer interruptions in their tee times and game schedules and can count on enjoying optimal play conditions for a greater percentage of the year. As Billy says, “The steps that we’ve taken on the golf course have really brought our property to the cutting edge of modern golf course construction. Now we have other communities and courses reaching out to discuss questions they have for their own projects, knowing that we have completed this work. We have become the standard to which other courses look to try to accomplish when it comes to the drainage system.” 

Balanced Results  

With cutting-edge drainage systems, state-of-the-art irrigation, and high-quality turf varieties, Callawassie Island has not only improved playability but has also ensured that the course remains beautiful and sustainable for years to come, setting a benchmark that is par for the course for Callawassie Island’s commitment to progress and excellence.  

As Bagwell reflects, “We have become the standard to which other courses look to try to accomplish when it comes to the drainage system.”  

The soul of Callawassie Island is all about balance and that’s as evident as ever in this complete course renaissance where modern technology meets thoughtful design and formidable function enhancing the ultimate golf experience.  

“What’s been important to me,” says Billy, “is that we’ve been able to completely rebuild the course while maintaining its character and natural beauty. We’ve taken a golf course that was already routed through a beautiful setting and applied modern technology to make it as good as anything else out there.”  

Take a virtual tour of all three courses – Magnolia, Dogwood, and Palmetto or call the Pro Shop at (843) 987-2161 to connect with on-site professionals, available year-round to offer individual lessons and group clinics.