Haig Point Club

Native American Indians occupied Daufuskie Island for thousands of years. Many artifacts have been found at Haig Point dating back to this time. Tabby ruins still exist on the property, dating back to the Colonial period, and have been carefully preserved. Other artifacts are kept on display in the Strachan Mansion.

In 1711, James Cockran, an Indian trader and planter, acquired 500 acres (2.0 km²) of Haig Point (not yet called such). Five years later, the property was left to Richard Cockran Ash, who sold it to Archibald Niele in 1735. Having never occupied the property, Niele sold it to George Haig I later in the same year. Following Haig's death, Haig Point was left to George Haig III in 1790. In 1810, Haig put the property up for sale. While this was the end for the Haig family at Haig Point, the property is called Haig Point to this day.

Haig III sold Haig Point to John David Mongin for his son, David John Mongin in 1810. Sometime between 1810 and 1823 the Mongins acquired the 600-acre (2.4 km²) Freeport Plantation. This created the nearly 1,100-acre (4.5 km²) plantation now known as Haig Point. Having died in 1823, David John Mongin left Haig Point to his wife Sarah. Two years later she married Reverend Herman Blodgett. Sarah Mongin Blodgett died in 1833 and Rev. Blodgett bought Haig Point from the Mongin family. After remarrying and starting construction on a new plantation house, Blodgett eventually sold Haig Point to William (Squire) Pope of Hilton Head Island.

In 1861, due to tax issues, Haig Point was confiscated by the U.S. Government. Five years later, Pope's heirs paid the taxes and reclaimed Haig Point. In 1872, the Popes sold the historic Haig Point Lighthouse and the 5 acres (20,000 m²) around it to the U.S. Government. Nearing the turn of the century in 1899, William Scouten bought Haig Point from the Popes for $2,500. The property stayed in the Scouten family for 58 years until in 1957 it was sold to Stiles Harper of Estill, SC for $44,000. Harper sold it to George "Pete" Bostwick for $134,000. Bostwick then bought back the famous Haig Point Lighthouse from the U.S. Government. Drawing this chapter of Haig Point history to a close, Charles Cauthen and Daufuskie Island Land Trust bought Haig Point, the Webb Tract and Oak Ridge for $2,875,000.

In 1984, International Paper bought Haig Point from Charles Cauthen and the Daufuskie Island Land Trust for $8,453,328.18. Two years later, International Paper had set up extensive infrastructure, the lighthouse had been restored, and Rees Jones had built the initial golf course. Also at this time (1986), the Strachan Mansion was moved from St. Simons Island, Georgia to Haig Point. The Mansion was essentially given away to International Paper by the Sea Island Company as they wanted the Mansion removed. The Mansion was barged up the Intracoastal Waterway and restored to its present state.

In 2001, International Paper transferred all of the common property and amenities to the members of Haig Point. The golf course and other amenities were operated on behalf of the HPCCA by Troon Golf until the end of 2008. Since 2009, it is member-operated under the traditional model of a private club.

Haig Point features the 20-hole Rees Jones Signature Course, an innovative original design that launched Jones' solo career. Set along the Calibogue Sound, the course features two distinct routings, the Haig, which has fewer forced carries, or the Calibogue, which is more challenging. Numerous holes have different playing angles depending upon which routing is selected, while two of the par-3s have entirely separate holes – thus a 20-hole course. Opened in 1986 to immediate critical acclaim, the course was renovated by Jones and reopened in late 2007. These renovations were lauded by Golf Digest[3] and are a part of Haig Point Club's long-range strategic plan.

The Osprey is Haig Point's 9-hole golf course (giving Haig Point 29 holes of private Rees Jones golf). The Osprey is geared more toward relaxed family play or a quick outing.

The club's Calibogue Club is located along the beach on Haig Point's "Outer Banks." It overlooks the Calibogue Sound, a major waterway connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, with the Harbour Town lighthouse visible in the distance. While the original Beach Club has a pool, bar and barbecue, the Calibogue Club, opened in November 2008, is a separate but adjacent two-story structure with capacity for 160 diners.

Dining options include casual fare at the 30th Hole Grill in the Clubhouse, while the Calibogue Club offers waterfront dining for lunch and dinner.

Haig Point has a private stabling facility that offers programs for all ages and abilities, including carriage rides and horseback riding. The center also offers lessons in English or Western seats. Pony rides are available for children.