The scenic one
About the Maples
Dan Maples laid out the first course at Sea Trail in 1986, and it is still the one most guests ask for by name. Water is in play from the opening hole, with ponds and lakes pressing on the fairways and greens across both nines, and the sightlines open out across the marsh on the east side of the resort.
It plays shorter than its neighbours. From the blue tees it is just over 6,300 yards, with a run of par fives that can be reached by a good driver and par threes that ask for a precise iron rather than a long one. That makes it a good opening round for a mixed group, and a better scoring chance than the Jones or the Byrd.
The course closed in May 2025 for a full restoration and reopened in the autumn with new greens, updated bunkers, improved drainage and wide natural areas where the old cart paths used to run. The character of the original Maples layout was kept on purpose.
Where it fits Play it first. The wide fairways settle the nerves on day one and the water on the closing holes sets the tone for the trip.
