Industry Veteran to Guide Club’s Innovative Strategic Plan
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina (March 11, 2024) – A respected hospitality professional, Don Hunter knows Haig Point Club, is renowned as a get-away destination. He also understands that its easy pace and relaxing beach ambiance are reflected in its amenities and luxury homes and cottages and produce an attractive Lowcountry place to live.
Hunter, with three decades in the club management/service industry earmarked by remarkable success through change and innovation at numerous high-profile facilities, is the new Chief Executive Officer at Haig Point Club, where he will lead the club through its next series of steps in its strategic plan.
“Haig Point is enthusiastic about adding Don Hunter to our staff as Chief Executive Officer,” said club President Tom Donohoe. “Don’s understanding of the dynamics of the work of a club and his track record of success made him the ideal person to lead us through the implementation of our detailed strategic plan. His vision matches ours.”
Haig Point has invested $1 million in club and community facility improvements for 2024 that include significant renovations to its iconic Strachan Mansion, roof replacements at key facilities, and new furniture throughout several venues. In addition, the club has invested $5.25 million to replace five-plus miles of interior roadways over the next three years.
“Our vision for the future of Haig Point is driven by forward-thinking initiatives to upgrade the magnificence of our property and its facilities,” Donohoe said. “We are excited about the beginnings of our progress and anticipate we’ll enhance our ability to attract people to the island lifestyle on Daufuskie.”
Donohoe added that new docks, piers, and floating docks (on Daufuskie and Hilton Head Islands) and a renovation to its signature Rees Jones golf course are other critical future investments.
Hunter joins Haig Point after five energetic years at The Country Club of North Carolina (2019-2024) where the club expanded its membership rolls by 41% and increased food and beverage income by 161% because of strategic facility planning, critical staff additions and hosting high-profile golf competitions. He also turned the club’s East Lake real estate parcels into an enviable and profitable enterprise. He ushered CCNC through an unprecedented period of growth and assured that the club was a vibrant and cooperative part of the community in America’s home of golf in Pinehurst, N.C
“I am eternally grateful to club president Tom Donohoe, the Board and Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace for having the confidence in my ability to enhance and expand on the quality of the Haig Point staff and facilities with the same passion and energy that I’ve loved to do throughout my career,” Hunter said. “I strongly believe in all the amenities that Haig Point and Daufuskie Island offer, the most prominent is the serenity of Lowcountry island life. Together, we’ll strive to make Haig Point a home of dreams.”
Haig Point worked directly with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, the leading recruiting and consulting firm in the private club industry, in its national search. Hunter will begin his duties on March 15.
“We’ve known Don and his work for many years and have seen first hand how capable, committed and innovative he is, and believe him to be an ideal ‘fit’ for Haig Point! His strategic positioning capabilities, ability to gain consensus and make a positive impact on his club communities has been evident from what we’ve learned about him over the past several years.”
Kurt Kuebler, KK&W
Prior to joining CCNC as COO/General Manager, he served as the COO at Quail Creek Country Club, in Naples, Fla. (2015-2019); at Chapel Hill (N.C.) Country Club as the COO/GM (2012-2015); at Sycamore Hills Golf Club, in Fort Wayne, Ind. as COO (1998-2012); and at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. as Clubhouse Manager (1996-1998).
A hallmark of Hunter’s work is hosting successful and memorable large-scale golf competitions. The 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, conducted by the United States Golf Association, was the eighth national golf event co-operated by Hunter and his staff. At PGA National, the club hosted the 1996 and 1997 Senior PGA Championships; at Sycamore Hills, the club hosted the 2009 Women’s State Team Championship as well as the 2010, 2011 and 2012 PGA National Junior Championships, and at Quail Creek, the club was on schedule to host the 2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship, but it was cancelled because of Hurricane Irma.
Hunter, who holds a CCM Designation from the Club Managers Association of America, studied business at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. He enjoys mentoring young club managers to help them achieve career success. An avid home renovator, his work is reflected in homes in Southern Pines and Oak Island, N.C. Hunter and his wife, Rosemary, have two adult daughters.
“I am eager to begin my work at Haig Point,” said Hunter, who was born in Indianapolis. “The location is off-the-charts good, and I am an American heartland guy who just wants to be a part of priceless calm and repose that happens on the island while making it a very desirable place to enjoy Lowcountry life.”
For more information please contact Lauren Hunt at [email protected] or 843-341-8132
About Haig Point:
Haig Point is a private residential community encompassing 1,050 acres on historic Daufuskie Island which is located just off the coast of South Carolina between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia. The community is accessible by the Haig Point ferry and water taxi system. Twenty-nine holes of championship golf, three clubs, an equestrian center, six Har-Tru® tennis courts, and two pools are highlighted amenities. For more information visit www.haigpoint.com.
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