For golfers who have been returning to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for years, the experience keeps getting better, even without new course openings.
Across the region, course owners are reinvesting in their properties, with two facilities in particular - Thistle Golf Club and Sea Trail Golf Resort - leading the way.
Pictured: Thistle Golf Club - Mackay Course - Hole #9
Thistle Golf Club: A Classic, Reimagined - One Nine at a Time
With its Scottish-inspired design and dramatic mounding, Thistle Golf Club has always delivered memorable golf and views. The Tim Cate design is in the midst of a three-year renovation project with each of the property’s three nine-hole layouts receiving a facelift.
The Cameron (2024) and Mackay (2025) nines have both undergone renovations, highlighted by the installation of new TifEagle bermudagrass greens and new stacked sod bunkers, a change that enhances conditioning, strategy and aesthetics. The bunker work reinforces Thistle’s links-inspired identity, giving the course an even more authentic Scottish feel.
By tackling the work nine holes at a time, Thistle has ensured minimal disruption while allowing each phase to be completed properly. That same thoughtful approach will continue next summer, when the Stewart nine is scheduled to receive a similar renovation, completing a full-course transformation.
Already one of the area’s best facilities, Thistle combines an outstanding layout with even better conditions to ensure an unforgettable day for golfers.
Pictured: Recent upgrades to the Byrd Course's greens at Sea Trail Golf Resort. Photo Credit: Jim Maggio
Sea Trail Golf Resort: Elevating a 54-Hole Experience
Just a few miles away, Sea Trail Golf Resort, a 54-hole property, has been executing one of the most comprehensive upgrade plans in the nation, renovating all three of its courses.
The Byrd Course received new greens and bunkers as part of a 2024 overhaul led by Cate, who enhanced the layout visually and strategically. The Maples Course underwent a similar renovation in 2025. The results are cleaner lines, improved conditioning, and a more consistent experience across all 18 holes. The commitment continues in 2026, when the Jones Course is slated for its own greens and bunker renovation, completing the cycle across the entire resort.
But Sea Trail’s upgrades go beyond the golf course.
With six communities inside the resort, Sea Trail Golf Resort is an ideal stay-and-play option for golfers who want to enjoy to villa, condos or rental home accommodations. Sea Trail offers units that range from one to four bedrooms allowing them to accommodate groups large and small.
Pictured: Sunset Prime at Sea Trail Golf Resort
Recognizing that today’s golf trips are about the full experience, the resort has also added two on-site restaurants – 55 Bistro Bar & Grill for casual post-round gatherings and Sunset Prime, a steakhouse that brings a more upscale dining option directly to the property.
In addition to its golf and dining, guests enjoy access to a full suite of amenities, including indoor (heated) and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a sauna. The combination of quality golf and abundant amenities continues to elevate the Sea Trail experience.
A Bigger Picture: Investment with Intent
What’s happening at Thistle and Sea Trail isn’t isolated. It reflects a broader mindset shift across the Brunswick Islands: an understanding that reinvestment isn’t optional – it’s essential.
New greens matter. Better bunkers matter. But so does the experience before and after the round.
With renovations at Thistle Golf Club and Sea Trail Golf Resort elevating both its trio of courses and overall experience, the message is clear: Brunswick Islands golf courses are investing in their future.
And for golfers, that’s a trend worth celebrating.
To start planning your golf trip to NC's Brunswick Islands, please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.