The Byrd Course at Sea Trail is a comfortable course -- challenging but not so challenging that you need to have an abundance of replacement balls. Although it was the dreaded "cart path only" when we played, the course was still reasonably easy to manage. Some of the houses are a wee bit close to the fairway so the OB can appear to be right on the course itself; but, I didn't have to introduce myself to a homeowner for breaking a window. Course is in very good condition in spite of the rain -- some casual water but the sand traps (and there are many) were well drained. Bag Drop guys and counter guys were very friendly and helpful. My wife and I literally had the course to ourselves as we were allowed to go off of the back to avoid the foursomes on the front. The club house looked like it was having a Sunday brunch but we were too focused on our golf.
I was met at the bag drop and greeted warmly. After checking in, I had to walk to the range to hit just a few balls before teeing off. Since I like to walk, this was not a big deal. I played the white tees, so the course wasn't too long for my abilities. The greens were fast and in good shape. The fairways were wide enough and the rough is open enough that errant shots are not automatically an extra stroke. Several times I was able to play out with a clear shot instead of just hoping to get back to the fairway with a chip. Was in only one sand trap, a fairway trap, and still managed to par the hole. The cart paths were in pretty bad shape in spots, but that's often the case when you're dealing with pine trees. Overall, it was an enjoyable round.
Not for the beginner golfer! Great course, lovely views but make sure to be at your best. Everyone working there was very pleasant and freindly. If you love golf you need to play here.
I have be coming to play Sea Trails for 25 years. I have stayed on property and visited when staying at SunSet beach. This facility has had its share of financial problems over the years. All 3 courses have different fun layouts. I played the Byrd this week and had a tee time for the Jones.Sea Trails has new ownership from China. I guess this is good that someone other than the bank now owns the place but what really disturbed my group was The Chinese flag flying at the club house. I feel sorry for the property owners that have to put up with this but I don't...we canceled our tee time for the Jones.There are many other courses in the area to play that fly the Stars and Stripes.
This resort went through a lengthy bankruptcy before it was purchased by a Chinese businessman. The Jones course had the bunkers reworked, but the bunkers on the Maples and Byrd courses are hard pan and rain washed. Greens and fairways on all courses are in fair shape, but all of the cart paths are in shambles and in desperate need of attention. Looks like the golf courses are at least a minimum of a year away from being in average shape.
We "walked on" to this course without a tee time at noon at a reasonable price and were not disappointed. The course is challenging enough for the average golfer but not abusive. You need to watch for the thieving crows on the first couple of holes as one picked a wrapped Kit Kat bar out of our golf cart and flew away. We were a bit disappointed in the early closing of the restaurant/bar.
The third best course at Sea Trail. The greens are very good and has a very interesting layout with some water holes and good trapping. It has some challenge but it all not beat you down. Cart paths are not good but renovation hopefully soon.
This golf course is in outstanding condition and very enjoyable experience. Treated like Kings from the time we checked in to returning the cart. A must play for the avid golfer
Good distance from Myrtle Beach - course is definitely showing its age....would not recommend this (or its partner course) as a desired golf location....
Tricky with lots of bunkers. Shorter than Maples and Jones courses. Fast greens and plenty of wildlife to watch while waiting for your shot. Overseeded fairways.