The renovation of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National is the most prominent ongoing project along the Grand Strand, but it’s not the only layout getting an overhaul in 2025.
Just across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C., Sea Trail Golf Resort and Thistle Golf Club, separated by less than three miles, are both undertaking significant renovations this summer. At Sea Trail, the Maples Course is being reimagined with a new aesthetic and agronomic upgrades. Meanwhile, Thistle is continuing its multi-year renovation effort by enhancing the Mackay nine.
A New Look for Sea Trail’s Maples Course
The Maples Course, a tree-lined Dan Maples design that’s long been a favorite of locals and visiting golfers alike, is enjoying an overhaul.
“We shut down the Maples (on May 19),” said Jimmy Biggs, Sea Trail’s general manager. “The greens have already been stripped and tilled; we’ll start sprigging in a couple weeks, and we’re targeting a (mid-September) reopening.”
The course is receiving TifEagle Bermuda greens, the same putting surface used during last year’s renovation of the Byrd Course. Cart paths are being selectively replaced, and the maintenance team is introducing new waste bunkers that will enhance playability and the visuals.
“We’re taking out a lot of traditional rough,” Biggs explained. “Now, there’s one fairway height flowing into cleaned-up native areas, and carts can ride right through. We’ll be planting ornamental grasses to create contrast.”
The changes are particularly noticeable on holes like No. 8, a short par 4 that has been completely reimagined.
“It used to be a ‘dink-and-dump’ hole,” Biggs said. “Now, with the fairway expansion and waste bunkers on both sides, it might be one of our signature holes. It’s a real head-turner — especially when you’re driving over the bridge to Sunset Beach.”
The greens are being expanded back to their original Maples-era size but softened in spots to adjust for modern green speeds and firmness. Around them, a Tahoma 31 collar is being installed to prevent encroachment from the surrounding turf.
“This course is never going to be long,” Biggs said. “It’s 6,200 or 6,300 yards from the back tees, tops. But it demands control. It’s got that Harbour Town vibe — if you can’t work the ball off the tee, you’re going to struggle.”
The Maples renovation is part of Sea Trail’s ambitious three-year plan. After last year’s Byrd refresh and clubhouse upgrades, 2025 is about elevating the Maples experience. Renovations to the Jones Course are scheduled for 2026. (Sea Trail Maples photos featured right)
Thistle Overhauls the Mackay Nine
At Thistle Golf Club, general manager Kevan Moore and his team are progressing on their property-wide enhancement. This summer’s focus is the Mackay nine, following the success of last year’s renovation of the Cameron nine.
“We’re doing the same thing with the Mackay greens as we did with Cameron,” Moore said. “TifEagle surfaces, expanding green sizes to add more pin placements, and adding TifTuf collars. If you saw the Cameron today, you’d understand why we’re so excited – (the greens are) absolutely beautiful.”
The course work goes well beyond greens. Crews are replacing bridges throughout the Mackay, building new tee boxes on holes 6 and 7, and implementing turf management practices that improve conditions.
Thistle is also addressing some subtle design tweaks to better serve all players.
“Mackay No. 7 is a long, forced-carry par 5 that can be brutal,” Moore explained. “We’re adding a new gold tee to make it more manageable for shorter hitters while keeping it a challenge for everyone else.”
Sunlight and drainage have also influenced decisions on tee box size and orientation. Rather than removing trees to allow more sunlight, Thistle’s team is expanding tee boxes on shaded holes to allow for better turf recovery.
Beyond the course, Thistle is improving the staging area outside the clubhouse, opening up views to its range bar – a wildly successful addition introduced last October – among other enhancements. (Thistle top photo)
Looking Ahead
Both Thistle and Sea Trail are positioning themselves for long-term success.
“The investment being made by our ownership is incredible,” Moore said. “They trust us to make smart, golfer-first decisions, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
(Photos for this feature from Thistle’s and Sea Trail’s Facebook Page)
