News Summary
As the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic approaches, excitement builds despite the withdrawals of 11 golfers, including notable players. Defending champion Chris Gotterup aims for a repeat victory while local talent joins the field. With an economic impact over $15 million anticipated and celebrity events scheduled, Myrtle Beach is ready to welcome golf enthusiasts for an unforgettable tournament experience.
Myrtle Beach Gears Up for ONEFlight Classic After Golfers Withdraw
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with excitement as the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic approaches! Set to take place from May 8-11 at the beautiful Dunes Golf and Beach Club, the stage was meant to be a golfer’s paradise, but recent news has shaken things up a bit. A total of 11 golf stars have made the decision to withdraw from the tournament, following their participation in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Notable Withdrawals Rock the Tour
The withdrawals have left some fans feeling a bit blue, especially with the absence of well-known players like South Carolina’s own Lucas Glover, Danish player Rasmus Højgaard, and Jake Knapp among others. But don’t fret, because the show must go on! Alternative players are being brought in to fill the gaps left by these stars.
Defending Champion Returns
In brighter news, Chris Gotterup, who claimed victory in last year’s tournament, is back and ready to defend his title! Fans are eager to see if he can pull off another win and walk away with the coveted 300 FedEx Cup points, a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, and an invitation to the following week’s prestigious PGA Championship, should he not already qualify.
The Tournament Conunion
This year, the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic is expected to feature around 132 golfers eager to make their mark. Enthusiasts can catch this thrilling golf action as the event runs concurrently with the Truist Championship, happening just outside of Philadelphia.
Exciting Player Highlights
Among the participants, Mackenzie Hughes arrives at the tournament with mixed results, having finished T3 at the RBC Heritage but missed the cut at THE CJ Cup Byron Nelson. It is always interesting to see how last-minute nerves could impact the performance of a player limited by previous events.
PGA Tour Stats and Course Layout
For those wondering about the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, it is currently boasting a par 71 layout that measures an impressive 7,347 yards, almost 100 yards longer than TPC Scottsdale. Last year, players found a scoring average of 69.849, and both courses recorded a fabulous total of 1,495 birdies between them. However, Dunes had its challenges, ranking 15th out of 47 events for the metric of putts per greens in regulation.
Local Talent Joins the Field
Local golfer Nathan Franks secured his spot in the tournament by winning the qualifying event in Myrtle Beach with a stellar 3-under 69. Right behind him, Joe Hooks and Tyler Watts both earned a slot with impressive 2-under 70 scores. It’s great to see local talent stepping onto the big stage!
Economic Impact and Celebrity Events
Looking beyond the greens, the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic aims to outperform last year’s economic impact of over $15 million. The inaugural event drew in more than 15,000 fans on Saturday alone, racking up merchandise sales over $600,000. With approximately 40,000 attendees last year, equally divided between locals and visitors, it’s a must-see event on the calendar!
Exciting Celebrity Pro-Am Partnership
This year, the tournament is joining forces with One Flight International for a unique twist with a celebrity pro-am event. Fans can expect to see familiar faces like Vanna White, Kevin Costner, and Kurt Russell swinging clubs alongside professional players. What a treat that will be!
Get Your Tickets Now!
To kick off the tournament in style, Governor Henry McMaster will grace the opening ceremony with his presence. Tickets for this exciting event are still available. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling few days for golf enthusiasts, and Myrtle Beach is ready to welcome everyone with open arms!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Classic Faces Withdrawals Ahead of Tournament
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Set to Thrill Golf Fans
Myrtle Beach Classic Faces Player Withdrawals
Nathan Franks Wins The Q Golf Event in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Prepares for ONEFlight Classic with Withdrawals
Burky’s Grill Reopens After Major Reconstruction in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Myrtle Beach to Host Star-Studded Golf Classic
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Set to Kick Off
Myrtle Beach Classic Set for May 2025
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: PGA Tour Releases Updated Field for ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic
- Wikipedia: PGA Tour
- Golfweek: Nathan Franks Wins the Q Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic
- ABC News 4: Economic Impact of Myrtle Beach Classic
- Google Scholar: PGA Tour History
- WPDE: USC Student Secures Final Spot in Myrtle Beach Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Myrtle Beach Online: ONEFlight Classic Announcement
- Google News: ONEFlight Myrtle Beach 2025
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.
