Myrtle Beach is set to host the inaugural eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge in October, an event designed to highlight new innovations in the golf industry. Seven startup companies have been selected to present their technologies, which range from AI-powered club fitting to autonomous course cameras.
The three-day event, scheduled for October 6-8, will take place at the HTC Aspire Hub in downtown Myrtle Beach. This initiative is a collaborative effort between eMYRge, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, and Coastal Carolina University. Organizers aim to connect entrepreneurs with investors and industry leaders to foster business growth in golf technology, further solidifying Myrtle Beach’s reputation as the Golf Capital of the World.
The accelerator challenge is supported by a Relentless Challenge grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The goal is to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic development, positioning Myrtle Beach as a hub for golf technology and business innovation. The selected startups represent a broad spectrum of innovation, including club fitting, content creation, golf-course operations, tee-time management, and consumer engagement.
Among the companies participating are Groove Golf, which uses Apple Watch and iPhone software for club fittings, and Coursecast, offering autonomous, solar-powered AI cameras for broadcast-quality video on golf courses. Smash Swing is also featured, reimagining the indoor golf experience with a multiplayer gaming platform for simulators and driving ranges.
Other startups in the inaugural class include CourseRev.ai, an AI-powered revenue platform for optimizing course bookings; Clubhaus, which unifies tee times, food and beverage ordering, loyalty programs, and payments; Golf District, a prepaid tee-time marketplace for reselling unused reservations; and Leaderboard Golf, a USGA-connected platform managing games, wagers, handicaps, and player statistics through AI-powered insights.
The event will provide mentorship opportunities, industry discussions, networking sessions, and investor introductions, culminating in a pitch showcase. Coastal Carolina University will play a significant role, offering students access to emerging companies and industry leaders through networking and hands-on learning experiences. University president James J. Winebrake noted that this collaboration reflects the university’s commitment to preparing students for future industries.
Ryan Cannon, executive director of Golf Tourism Solutions, emphasized that Myrtle Beach is an ideal location to showcase the future of golf, allowing these companies to present their technology directly to the courses and operators who deliver the daily golf experience in the region.
