Willard Byrd

Conway, SC

Wild Wing Plantation in Conway is a 27-hole facility minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach, built around the 18-hole Avocet course and the nine-hole Hummingbird. Avocet is credited to architect Jeff Brauer and three-time major champion Larry Nelson, and it leans on variety rather than length: drivable par 4s, double greens and split fairways, with undulating putting surfaces and surrounding swales that put a premium on the short game. The drivable par-4 14th gives players of any ability a look at eagle. Wild Wing is part of the Founders Collection of Myrtle Beach courses and is open to public play.

Mount Pleasant, SC

Patriots Point Golf Links is an 18-hole, par-72 public course in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, designed by Willard Byrd and opened in 1981. Set on the edge of Charleston Harbor near the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the course offers views of downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter and passing ships. Annika Sorenstam later contributed to a course redesign. The layout is noted for its links-style feel and harbor breezes, with the par-3 17th playing to a small peninsula green backed by marsh.

Last verified 2026-09-17

Sunset Beach, NC

The Byrd Course at Sea Trail Golf Resort in Sunset Beach was designed by Willard Byrd and opened in 1990. It now plays par 72 at 6,649 yards. The course closed in May 2024 for a five-month renovation led by Tim Cate, which brought new TifEagle greens, rebuilt Better Billy Bunkers, new waste bunkers, drainage work, tree clearing, new cart paths and replaced bridges. The layout mixes tree-lined holes with more open stretches beside small lakes, so accuracy off the tee matters on the wooded holes. It shares the Jones Byrd Clubhouse with the Jones Course and is open to the public and resort guests.

Last verified 2026-09-29

Greenville, SC

The Preserve at Verdae is an 18-hole course in Greenville, South Carolina, built into the rolling Carolina foothills next to the Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort and Conference Center. Hills and mountain-like brooks run through the property. Designed by Willard Byrd, the course opened in 1990 (originally as Verdae Greens Golf Club) and for nine years hosted a PGA Tour developmental event, known at different times as the Upstate Classic and the Greater Greenville Classic, now continued elsewhere as the BMW Charity Classic. A 2006 renovation converted the greens to Mini-Verde Bermuda grass. The course is open to public play alongside its resort clientele, with a full golf shop, driving range, and short-game practice areas. It plays to a par of 72, with a longest yardage of roughly 6,773 yards, and its naturalized landscaping areas support local wildlife including wild turkeys and hawks.

Raeford, NC

Bayonet Golf Club at Puppy Creek is a public 18-hole course near Fayetteville, owned by Carolina Turf Farms. Willard Byrd designed the layout, which opened in 1995 and rolls through hilly ground with Puppy Creek coming into play four times. It stretches past 7,000 yards from the back tees, with Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens. A 15-acre practice range sits on site.

Elizabethtown, NC

Vineyard Golf at White Lake sits between White Lake and Elizabethtown. Willard Byrd designed the par-72 course in 1964 through tall pines, and MiniVerde greens went in in 2014. It is open to the public with a driving range, putting green and pro shop.

Supply, NC

Lockwood Folly Country Club in Supply is a public Willard Byrd design that opened in 1988. It sits where the Lockwood Folly River meets the Intracoastal Waterway, near Holden Beach, on a former hunting preserve. The par-72 course plays 6,836 yards through tree-lined fairways and salt marsh views. The Oak and Anchor Grill and a range are on site.

Pawleys Island, SC

Litchfield Country Club opened in 1966 as Pawleys Island's first golf course. Willard Byrd designed it. The course plays under big live oaks hung with Spanish moss, and it measures under 6,700 yards from the tips. Eight sharp doglegs reward position over power. The greens are small but open in front, so you can run the ball on. It is semi-private, but the public can book tee times through the Myrtle Beach area booking network.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Shipyard Golf Club on Hilton Head Island has 27 holes, designed by George Cobb and Willard Byrd. It features three 9-hole loops: Brigantine, Clipper, and Galleon, which combine into three 18-hole layouts. The course is located within the Shipyard Plantation resort community. It winds through live oaks and lagoons, reflecting the Lowcountry character of Hilton Head.

Palm Beach, FL

One of the oldest resort courses in Florida, The Breakers Ocean Course dates to 1897 and offers a classic Palm Beach golf experience. The course features a traditional layout with mature trees, strategic bunkering, and the elegant atmosphere of one of America's most iconic luxury resorts.