Developers

Nobody knows exactly where Doonbeg’s story begins, save for the dunes upon which its scene is set. But it was two men from South Carolina – Buddy Darby and Leonard Long of Kiawah Development Partners – who recognised its singular magnificence and set about realizing their vision, a rare and remarkable piece of links land and fitting lodge. KDP is also the master developer of Kiawah Island, a 10,000-acre sea island located 21 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina.

Charles P. (Buddy) Darby, III - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Darby led the effort to acquire Kiawah Island from the Kuwaitis in 1988, and since then has held primary responsibility for Kiawah's development activities. He also directed the purchase of several other significant properties: a large portion of the nearby Andell Plantation, where Cassique stands today and Freshfields Village, a mixed-use village serving the Johns, Seabrook, and Kiawah Island communities; Mullet Hall on Johns Island, future site of Kiawah River Plantation; and the coastal linksland in Ireland where Doonbeg Golf Club has been established. Mr. Darby is also a vice president of The Beach Company, a commercial real estate development and sales firm based in Charleston, S.C.

Leonard L. Long, Jr. - Executive Vice President
Among his varied responsibilities, Mr. Long runs the company's legal and marketing departments. A lawyer for about three decades, he served as Charleston County attorney when Kiawah's rezoning application was negotiated in 1975. Since the 1988 purchase, he has directed every major company transaction and marketing initiative, including Legends magazine, for which he serves as publisher. He also personally oversees many details pertaining to the ongoing development of The Kiawah Island Club and Doonbeg Golf Club.