With over 60 scenic golf courses enveloping an array of distinctive features and challenging layouts, Myrtle Beach, affectionately known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” is a prime destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. However, what really sets apart Myrtle Beach’s golf scene from many others are the unique events it offers throughout the year. From charity tournaments to professional championships, each event offers diverse experiences, camaraderie, and, importantly, thrilling golfing adventures.
The Monday After the Masters
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated annual events, the Monday After the Masters (MAM) blends golf, entertainment, celebrities, and competitive spirit. Organized by Hootie & the Blowfish, the event has grown from a small charitable gathering to a significant golf event since its introduction in 1994. Held at the Dye Club at Barefoot Resort & Golf, MAM attracts sports and music celebrities who participate in a friendly competition while raising funds for the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation and Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation.
World Amateur Handicap Championship
Considered the largest amateur golf tournament globally, the World Amateur Handicap Championship gathers more than 3,000 golfers each year. The event emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming players of all skill levels and allowing everyone an equal chance of winning by employing a unique handicap system. The four-day event, often held at the end of August, culminates in an ultimate championship at a different course every year, providing participants with wide exposure to the diverse golf offerings of Myrtle Beach.
Mayors Cup Golf Championship
An exclusive event for Myrtle Beach locals, the Mayors Cup Golf Championship has provided a platform for residents to showcase their golfing skills since 1998. Held at Whispering Pines Golf Course—the first course in Myrtle Beach—the event takes place in early March and features various competition formats such as the better ball, gross, and net divisions for both men and women.
Palmetto High School Golf Championship
The Palmetto High School Golf Championship provides young golfers the opportunity to compete at a high level and witness firsthand the beauty of Myrtle Beach’s golf scene. Over three days in April, around 250 high school golfers from different states participate in this championship, hosted by True Blue Golf Club and the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.
Father & Son Team Classic
Offering a unique blend of golf and family bonding, the Father & Son Team Classic takes place every July. Over 54 holes, fathers and sons (and grandfathers and grandsons, or any other father-son pairing) compete in various formats, including better ball, alternate shot, and scramble. The event is also renowned for its plentiful prize offerings and a festive atmosphere throughout.
General Hackler Championship
Named after the late United States Air Force Lieutenant General James F. Hackler, Jr., the General Hackler Championship is an esteemed collegiate golf tournament. Hosted by Coastal Carolina University—home to a renowned PGA golf management program—the event features some of the best collegiate golfers and teams from across the nation. It takes place annually in March and traditionally at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club.
Golfweek Amateur Tour
The Golfweek Amateur Tour is a national tour with one of its best-attended divisions located in Myrtle Beach. Open to players of all skill levels, the tour provides a platform for golfers to compete in a professional atmosphere on top-rated courses. Myrtle Beach hosts several stops on the tour, allowing participants to enjoy a diversity of golf course architecture and conditions.
Each of these events provides unique experiences for participants while showcasing the breadth and depth of the Myrtle Beach golf scene. They are a testament to the city’s commitment to golf, continually fostering a fun, competitive, and inclusive environment for all golf enthusiasts.
2 Comments
TheGolfGuru2020
I’ve been attending the Monday After the Masters for a few years now, and it is always a blast. Nothing beats the blend of sports, music, and the competitive spirit of this event. The fact that it’s also for a good cause makes it even more special. Will anyone be there this year?
Sandy_holeinone
This list makes my golf calendar busy for sure! Each one of these events holds its unique charm. However, I’ve got a soft corner for the Father & Son Team Classic. Played it with my old man for the first time last year and it was unforgettable. As for amateurs like me, the Golfweek Amateur Tour is a nice platform to test our abilities. Curious, any readers here won any of these events?