Georgia-based golf architect Billy Fuller is beginning a major renovation of the Cotton Dike and Morgan River courses at the Dataw Island Club in South Carolina.

The US$5.4 million project, passed by a vote of the club’s golf membership began with the start of works on the Cotton Dike course, originally designed by Tom Fazio, on 1 April. Indiana-based consultancy AS Altum is designing the courses’ new irrigation systems, which will be installed by All Green Irrigation, while contactor TDI Golf is handling the build.

“This is something the membership at Dataw Island has been considering for quite awhile,” said Ted Bartlett, the club’s general manager. “Our golf courses are already outstanding, but these renovations will simply enhance what we have and improve some of the natural features and playability for our members and guests.”

The renovations include irrigation replacement on both courses; straightening and repair of cart paths; coring out and recontouring of 17 Cotton Dike and three Morgan River greens; regrassing of all greens with Miniverde ultradwarf Bermuda; and reconstruction of all bunkers.

The 36 hole renovation is expected to take 18 months to complete. The Morgan River portion of the project is scheduled to begin in April 2012 and reopen that September.