Myrtle Beach celebrates inaugural PGA Tour event

The first-ever Myrtle Beach Classic wrapped up on May 12 following four days of championship golf, significant fanfare and substantial projected economic impact on the community.

A PGA Tour event sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach and held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, it hosted more than 40,000 spectators.

The Classic broke attendance projections with 15,281 ticketholders participating — over 5,000 more than expected.

Additionally, viewers from across the country tuned in as the Golf Channel provided eight hours of live coverage.

“This high-profile sporting event not only enhances our area’s reputation as The Golf Capital of the World, but also reinforces the strong community spirit that defines the Grand Strand,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “It’s been remarkable to see everyone, from local families and volunteers to visitors of all ages, come together to make this inaugural event a standout success.”

Darren Nelson, tournament director, also praised the community and the over 1,300 volunteers who contributed to the Classic’s first-year achievements.

“With the continued dedication and support from the Myrtle Beach community, the event is poised to continue to grow and evolve, further spotlighting the Grand Strand as a premier destination for golf and recreation,” he said.

In total, 132 players and their caddies took to the greens on Thursday and Friday with the field tightening by Round 3 on Saturday and the Final Round on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Fan favourites included 16-year-old junior amateur Blades Brown, who made headlines as he entered the final round in the top 20, and tournament champion Chris Gotterup, who closed with a four under 67 for a six-stroke victory to clinch his first PGA Tour win.

Gotterup was presented with the Classic’s golf swing-inspired trophy created by renowned local sculptor Bryan Rapp, and an ocean-blue jacket custom designed and tailored by Jonathan Smith.

“I just want to thank everyone this week for the support,” Gotterup said after receiving the championship trophy. “What a great first event. I’m sure it’s a big success for Visit Myrtle Beach and I’m honoured to be the champion. It couldn't have gone any better.”

Alongside the golf, the Myrtle Beach Classic offered a scenic beachfront location, family-friendly atmosphere (including free entry for children 15 and under), fan zones with entertainment and two free concerts.

As one of the youngest players to compete in a PGA Tour event, Brown attracted a large crowd of spectators, especially young fans.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a golf tournament, from the fans, to my play, to my family being here,” he said. “I’ve never had that many people following my group before.”

Spectators were also greeted by North Myrtle Beach-native Vanna White, of Wheel of Fortune fame, who played in the Pro-Am Tournament.

“We all know Myrtle Beach, we relate Myrtle Beach to golf, and it has been that way for a long time,” she said. “It’s time the PGA Tour came here.”

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