South Carolina’s Golf Industry: A $3.6 Billion Powerhouse

News Summary

South Carolina’s golf industry contributes an impressive $3.6 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and generating $423 million in taxes. Myrtle Beach leads as the primary golfing destination, attracting a considerable number of travelers. With an increase in youth participation and new courses opening, the golf scene continues to thrive, boosting local communities and generating significant revenue through tournaments and events.

South Carolina’s Golf Industry: A $3.6 Billion Powerhouse!

In the heart of South Carolina, there’s something incredible going on – the golf industry is thriving and making a massive impact! According to a recent study by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, this fabulous pastime contributes a whopping $3.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. That’s a lot of golf balls flying around!

Jobs Galore!

This bustling industry supports over 30,000 jobs, making it a key player in the state’s job market. These jobs span many roles, from course maintenance staff to golf professionals, all working together to keep the scene vibrant and exciting. In addition, the golf world in South Carolina pays out around $1.7 billion in wages and income, creating a financial ripple effect throughout local communities.

Taxes and Traveler Superstars

Moreover, the economic benefits extend even further with golf generating $423 million in federal, state, and local taxes. Imagine all the public services that help improve communities being funded by this incredible sport!

When it comes to attracting golfers, South Carolina is a big hit! Myrtle Beach is the ultimate destination, drawing in about 63% of all traveling golfers in the state. Not to be left behind, Charleston and Hilton Head Island follow closely, capturing 21% and 15% of the market, respectively.

Local Faves and Out-of-State Friends

While visitors from North Carolina constitute 13% of the golfing crowd, Pennsylvania and Connecticut also find their way to the fairways, making up 10% and 7%, respectively. It’s a great reminder that South Carolina is not just local—it has nationwide appeal!

Rising Young Golfers

Record Numbers!

This past April was a milestone for The Spur at Northwoods, which recorded its busiest month ever. What’s better than hitting the links with a bunch of friends and sharing unforgettable memories?

Next Generation Golf Talent

10th at the NCAA Championships. Young star Eila Galitsky was recognized with first-team All-American honors, while fellow players bagged second-team mentions. The men’s team also put up a good fight, finishing 19th and with Nathan Franks tying for 18th place. Both teams demonstrated a phenomenal spirit as they reached this significant level!

New and Exciting Courses

new golf courses to explore. The Tree Farm and Old Barnwell have made their mark, being ranked among the top five best courses in the state. Exciting developments like Broomsedge, 21 Golf Club, and Kawonu Golf Club are in the works, and are sure to enhance the golfing experience even further. In fact, these new additions are on track to feature heavily in the upcoming 2025-2026 Golf Digest rankings.

Annual Events That Matter

Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship. This major public golf tournament attracts nearly 3,000 participants each year, generating over $17 million in local economic impact. It’s clear why Myrtle Beach is often dubbed the “Golf Capital of the World,” boasting the second-highest concentration of public golf courses per capita in the U.S. with over 800 holes available for play!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Storms Cause Damage in Horry County and Myrtle Beach Area
Myrtle Beach Golf Program Supports Disabled Veterans
New Golf Cart Safety Law in Myrtle Beach
Golf’s Thriving Economy in South Carolina: A $3.6 Billion Powerhouse
New Legislation Ensures Golf Cart Safety for Young Passengers in South Carolina
On Company Time Debuts ‘Myrtle Beach’ Music Video
U.S. Kids Golf Returns to Myrtle Beach for Young Golfers

Additional Resources

• The State: South Carolina Golf Industry
• Wikipedia: Golf
• Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Golf Impact
• Google Search: South Carolina Golf Impact
• Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in South Carolina
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Golf Courses
• Business North Carolina: 100 Best Golf Courses
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
• Golf Course Industry: South Carolina Golf Industry
• Google News: South Carolina Golf

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.