The Sea Pines course design and layout have been developed to provide golfers with a wide variety of challenge. Depending on wind conditions, the course can play from relatively easy to very difficult. The course is designed with six holes lying on the beachside and the lies towards the mountains divided by the railroad.

The dogleg, par-5 12th hole is one of the most challenging, as the design affords it protection in the form of fairway bunkers and a water hazard along the right-hand side. Moreover, a small bunker located towards the middle of the fairway, creates a dilemma – go for a driver from the tee, or ‘play it safe’ by opting for a ‘lay-up’ approach?