Tucked within the lush landscape of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the Sea Trail Byrd Course is a must-play for traveling golfers looking to test their shot-making skills while soaking in the beauty of the Carolina coast. Designed by legendary golf course architect Willard Byrd, this 18-hole championship layout has been recently renovated and is one of three distinct tracks at Sea Trail Resort and a favorite among locals and vacationing players alike.

đź“Ť Location

Sea Trail Resort – Byrd Course
75A Clubhouse Road
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
Just minutes from the South Carolina border and less than 15 minutes from North Myrtle Beach.

⛳ Course Overview

  • Architect: Willard Byrd

  • Opened: 1990

  • Yardage: Up to 6,750 yards

  • Slope Rating: 128

  • Course Rating: 71.2

  • Par: 72

Byrd’s design blends challenge and charm with precision. Elevated tee boxes offer panoramic views, while contoured fairways and strategically placed lakes and bunkers keep every shot honest. The layout rewards smart course management and demands focus, especially around its many water features.

🧭 Course Personality: Shotmaker’s Paradise

The Byrd Course doesn’t overwhelm with length—it challenges you with strategy. Precision off the tee is key, as water hazards come into play on multiple holes. The par-3s are scenic but demanding, and the finishing stretch, particularly the par-4 18th with water hugging the entire left side, is as tense as it is rewarding.

This course favors players who can shape shots and stay mentally engaged. Risk-reward scenarios are built into the routing, giving aggressive players a chance to score but punishing the careless. It’s a thinker’s course, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

💬 The Golfer’s Review

Having played the Byrd Course multiple times, I can confidently say: this is a course you’ll want to play at least twice. It takes one round to appreciate the nuance of Byrd’s design—and then you’ll be itching to come back with a smarter game plan. Whether you’re working on your course management or just soaking in the scenery, the Byrd Course delivers a coastal golf experience that feels both strategic and serene.

🏌️ Tee Options

Tee Box Yardage Rating Slope
Gold 6,750 71.2 128
Blue 6,429 69.6 126
White 6,050 68.1 122
Silver 5,481 65.7 117
Red (Ladies) 5,000 68.3 113

There’s a comfortable challenge available for every skill level, and forward tees make this a very playable layout for seniors and newer golfers.

🍽️ Amenities

Sea Trail Byrd guests enjoy full resort privileges, including:

  • Clubhouse: Pro shop with apparel and gear

  • All the restaurant and bar amenities within Sea Trail Resort: Sunset Prime, Sunset Slice, 55 Bistro, and Sunset Cove have something for everyone.

🧳 Why You Should Play It

The Byrd Course at Sea Trail is ideal for golfers seeking a beautiful, playable layout with just the right amount of bite. It’s perfect for a warm-up round before tackling a tougher track—or a relaxing afternoon walk with just your short game in mind. With pristine course conditions, updated resort amenities, and a layout that leaves a lasting impression, Byrd belongs on every traveling golfer’s play list.