Rees Jones-Designed Ralston Creek Course
at Daniel Island Club Set to Open April 26, 2006
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The eagerly anticipated second championship course at the Daniel Island Club, designed by world-renowned architect Rees Jones, is set to officially open April 26, 2006. The course, a traditional Lowcountry classic, will complement the club’s award-winning Beresford Creek course by Tom Fazio. The addition of the Rees Jones signature Ralston Creek course sets Daniel Island apart as one of the only communities in the Southeast to have championship courses by today’s top two ranked golf course designers playing from the same clubhouse.
“The combination of these two courses makes Daniel Island a strong candidate for anyone considering premier golf course communities in the southeast. While there will be a limited number of extraordinary homesites available on the Ralston Creek course itself, the addition of this course reinforces our commitment to the highest quality lifestyle we can provide to all of our current and future residents and members,†said Matt Sloan, chief operating officer of the Daniel Island Company, which is developing the 4,000-acre island town within the city limits of Charleston.
“The developers gave us a spectacular piece of property,†commented Rees Jones. “The stunning backdrop of the natural saltwater marshes and specimen trees provided a wonderful canvas on which to build a memorable golf course.â€
Jones continued, “The ultimate measure of success is building an uncontrived course that has enough variety and character to hold the golfer’s interest round after round. That is what we have achieved here at Ralston Creek – a course that will stand the test of time for generations of Daniel Island Club members and their families.â€
Jones’ exceptional talent for designing, redesigning and renovating courses that are enjoyable for members throughout the year and challenging for professionals come tournament time is a signature trademark. His reputation as “The Open Doctor†comes from critically acclaimed work on such storied venues as Pinehurst No.2, Torrey Pines South, Bethpage Black and The Country Club. Jones has also been involved with the highly praised changes at the Atlanta Athletic Club and Medinah – host venues for the PGA Championship; East Lake GC – home to the annual PGA TOUR Championship; and for his original designs such as Ocean Forest – site of the Walker Cup Matches; Redstone GC – new home to the Shell Houston Open; and The Houstonian – site of the Nationwide Tour Championship.
Ralston Creek, a par 72 playing 7,446 yards from the championship tees, joins this prestigious list of professional tournament venues as the inaugural site of the PalmettoPride Classic, a Nationwide Tour event to be held October 19-22, 2006.
“The course has a classic style that adapts to today’s players and their equipment,†says Jones. “The layout has all the elements of a stern test of golf – strategically placed, sculpted fairway bunkers, diversely contoured greens, greenside bunkers placed to protect the championship pin positions, and, at 7,446 yards, enough length for the long hitters.â€
Jones continued, “For a tournament such as the Nationwide event or a U.S. Open regional qualifier, they will set the course up by growing the rough ‘up and in’ to narrow the fairways, they will tuck the pins so the strategically placed greenside bunkers are in play, and they will increase the speed of the greens. What will make Ralston Creek a well-respected tournament venue, as well as a member’s favorite, is that although the greens are diversely contoured and are designed to be a form of hazard, they are receptive to well-hit shots. Hit the shot required and the player will be well rewarded. But, like Augusta National, long putts will be difficult to hole. We have also taken great care in ensuring that the site lines and course definition enhances rather than inhibits play. This was one of the things Tiger Woods complemented us on for our work at Torrey Pines.â€
Jones recognizes that not every member is a single-digit handicap. The brilliance of his layout is the exceptional thought that has gone into the design of every hole from every tee. Designed into the layout are six tee boxes ranging from 7,446 yards from the championship tees to 3,768 yards from the Junior or Beginner tees. The inclusion of Junior/Beginner tees was as important to Jones’ team as it was to the Daniel Island Club in its commitment to grow the game and make it enjoyable for the entire family.
Alternate approach shot options that give the players the choice of “attack or caution†are another design element that makes the course enjoyable of all levels of golfers. The course will feature Tif-Eagle on the greens, Bermuda 419 on the fairways and Tif-Sport on the tees and approaches.
Located within the City of Charleston, Daniel Island is one of the Lowcountry’s most preferred suburban addresses for golf. The Community has been recognized as one of the ’50 Best Golf Communities’ by Golf Living Magazine and as one of ‘America’s Top 100 Golf Communities’ by Travel & Leisure Golf, and has received numerous other accolades. This 4,000-acre island town features distinctive neighborhoods with a mix of home styles and prices, and landscaped streets with sidewalks that encourage leisurely strolls and neighborly conversations. Daniel Island’s growing collection of amenities includes not only the essential components of a community – schools, medical centers, boutiques, restaurants, office buildings, churches and a modern supermarket – but also world-class golf, tennis and soccer facilities. Access to hundreds of acres of parks, 23 miles of rivers and creeks with docks and boat ramps, bicycle and jogging paths, and a private in-town country club provide Daniel Island residents with a wide range of recreational options of the highest caliber.
For more information on Daniel Island/Charleston South Carolina Real
Estate visit:
