Located in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the Willard Byrd Course at Sea Trail Golf Resort has long been a staple of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail. Following a comprehensive five-month renovation completed in October 2024, the course now offers an enhanced golfing experience that blends classic design with modern amenities.
Course Overview
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Designer: Willard Byrd
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Par: 72
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Yardage: 6,754 yards from the back tees
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Course Rating: 73.2
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Slope: 138
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Greens: TifEagle Bermuda
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Opened: 1990
The Byrd Course is characterized by its strategic layout, featuring seven man-made lakes ranging from 14 to 20 acres, and a variety of bunkers and waste areas that demand thoughtful play.
Renovation Highlights
The recent renovations have significantly upgraded the course:
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Greens: Installation of TifEagle Bermuda greens for improved consistency and speed.
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Bunkers: Implementation of the Better Billy Bunker system for enhanced drainage and playability.
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Fairways: Widened fairways and strategic tree removal to improve playability.
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Infrastructure: Upgraded cart paths, bridges, and on-course facilities.
These enhancements have revitalized the Byrd Course, making it more accessible to a broader range of golfers while maintaining its strategic challenges.
Signature Holes
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Hole 3 (Par 5): A dogleg right requiring a precise tee shot over water, leading to a narrow fairway flanked by bunkers.
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Hole 13 (Par 5): Features a fairway that narrows with bunkers on both sides and a water hazard near the green, demanding strategic shot placement.
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Hole 18 (Par 5): A picturesque finishing hole framed by two ponds, with a green surrounded by bunkers, offering a memorable end to the round.
Course Conditions and Experience
Post-renovation, the Byrd Course offers:
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Greens: Smooth and fast TifEagle Bermuda surfaces.
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Fairways: Expanded and revitalized for improved playability.
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Facilities: Modernized cart paths, bridges, and on-course amenities.
The course’s design now balances challenge and accessibility, appealing to both seasoned golfers and newcomers.
Who Should Play the Byrd Course?
The Byrd Course is ideal for:
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Mid- to low-handicap golfers seeking strategic challenges.
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Golf groups looking for a course that balances difficulty and playability.
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Traveling golfers interested in a course with modern amenities and classic design.
Its recent enhancements make it a must-play destination on the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail.
Location and Accessibility
Situated in Sunset Beach, NC, the Byrd Course is:
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Approximately 20 minutes from North Myrtle Beach.
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Easily accessible from major highways and nearby accommodations.
Its location makes it a convenient choice for golfers visiting the Myrtle Beach area.
Booking a Round at the Byrd Course
Tee times can be booked through the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail:
Book your round at Sea Trail – Willard Byrd Course
Click HERE to see the Sea Trail location map, score cards, and more.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Willard Byrd Course at Sea Trail Golf Resort offers a rejuvenated golfing experience that combines strategic design with modern enhancements. Its recent renovations have elevated its status, making it a standout choice for golfers on the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail.
