The thinking golfer's course
About the Byrd
Willard Byrd opened his course at Sea Trail in 1990, the same year as the Jones, and gave the resort its most strategic test. Fairways thread between tall pines, lakes guard both the landing areas and the greens, and every tee shot asks a question about club and line before it asks about power.
From the blue tees it is about 6,650 yards, with a stern par four to open, a long par five ninth and a strong closing stretch that finishes by the water on the eighteenth. The player who picks the right club and puts the ball in position scores here, and the match in a foursome tends to go to the last few holes.
In 2024 the course closed for five months for a multi million dollar renovation led by architect Tim Cate, a Sunset Beach resident with ties to the original designer. It reopened in October 2024 with new greens, rebuilt bunkers, improved drainage and cleaner sightlines, and it has been in the best shape in years ever since.
Where it fits A good final round. Position beats power here, so the match often comes down to the last few holes.
