News Summary
On April 14, 2025, over 250 high school students from Horry County participated in the Horry County Schools Day at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club. This event provided students with a hands-on introduction to various career paths in the golf industry ahead of the upcoming ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Engaging activities, interactive presentations, and real-world discussions highlighted the importance of practical experience and teamwork in organizing major golf events, ultimately preparing students for future internships and volunteer opportunities.
Myrtle Beach Students Get a Glimpse into the Golf World at ONEflight Classic Prep Event
On April 14, 2025, the sun was shining brightly at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach as over 250 enthusiastic high school students from Horry County flocked to the special Horry County Schools Day. The event, designed to give students hands-on experience in the golf industry, served as a tantalizing sneak peek ahead of the highly anticipated ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic scheduled for May 8-11, 2025.
Experiencing Career Opportunities Firsthand
Students from eight local high schools, including Aynor High School, North Myrtle Beach High School, and the Academy for Technology and Academics, filled the Dunes Club with excitement. They eagerly engaged in activities that aimed to open their eyes to various career paths related to the golf industry. Whether it was marketing, hospitality, culinary arts, or turf management, students learned about the rich tapestry of roles involved in organizing a major PGA Tour event.
The day kicked off with personal tours of the stunning Dunes Club facility, allowing students to dive deep into what goes into preparing for a golf tournament. They explored everything from the layout of the event space to the intricate planning that makes such a large event a success.
Interactive Learning and Presentations
The event wasn’t just about walking around and looking at golf clubs; various presentations gave students valuable insights into several key topics. From the world of golf marketing led by Myrtle Beach Classic tournament director Darren Nelson, to culinary arts demonstrations focusing on food preparation for the big event, students were engaged and eager to learn.
One of the highlights of the day included discussions about social media promotion for not just golf, but any event, providing students with a broader understanding of how modern events capture public interest and attract participants.
Building Skills for the Future
Students had the chance to participate in focused group discussions that explored different aspects of the tournament. They tackled challenges such as brand strategy and how to arrange event spaces effectively, getting a taste of what it takes to put on a successful event. Discussion on the community’s strong commitment to hiring teenage interns and volunteers for various roles in the golf industry also sparked interest among students.
A senior from North Myrtle Beach, who showed great interest in the project, reflected on how the event would evolve from its inaugural 2024 tournament. The organizers aim to continue enhancing the fan experience and increasing revenue each year, which provides exciting possibilities for students considering careers in the sector.
Real Life Meets Classroom Education
The importance of practical experience was emphasized by Amanda Van Natta, a work-based learning specialist. She highlighted how real-life opportunities complement classroom education, offering students a chance to implement what they’ve learned in a real-world context.
Culinary arts students also found significant value in their learning. One student expressed his appreciation for gaining insight into dining services from a golf club perspective, showcasing how versatile knowledge in various aspects of the event is crucial.
A Bright Future in Golf
The positive reception of the interactive experience in 2024 led to the repeat of the event in 2025. Students left the Dunes Club not only with knowledge about the golf industry but also with newfound confidence in pursuing internships and volunteer opportunities.
All in all, the Horry County Schools Day at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club gave students a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals and delve into the teamwork necessary to pull off a large-scale golf tournament. The future looks bright for these skilled students ready to take on exciting opportunities in the golf industry!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Hilton Head Island’s Golf Courses and Resorts Shine
Myrtle Beach Honors Volunteers at 20th Anniversary Luncheon
Myrtle Beach Hosts Career Exploration Expo for Students
Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- My Horry News
- WBTW News
- WMBF News
- On the Green Magazine
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Golf industry careers
- Google Scholar: Golf event management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
