News Summary
Elgin, South Carolina, is gearing up for the Korn Ferry Tour’s inaugural Colonial Life Charity Classic at Woodcreek Golf Club from May 11-17, 2026. This event is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the community and support the United Way of the Midlands. With a five-year commitment from Colonial Life, the tournament aims to foster local golf talent and feature the next generation of professional golfers while engaging the community in a great cause.
Exciting News for Elgin, SC: Korn Ferry Tour Announces Colonial Life Charity Classic!
Elgin, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the Korn Ferry Tour prepares to roll into town with the inaugural Colonial Life Charity Classic. Set to take place at the beautiful Woodcreek Golf Club from May 11-17, 2026, this tournament promises to be a thrilling week of golf and community spirit!
What’s the Scoop?
Located just 20 miles east of Columbia, Elgin is gearing up for an economic boost that Mayor Daniel Rickenmann estimates could reach between seven to eight million dollars annually. The title sponsor, Colonial Life, is entering a fantastic five-year agreement that will not only elevate the event but also deepen its roots in the community. The Colonial Life Charity Classic comes just a week after another prestigious event, the PGA Tour’s Myrtle Beach Classic, ensuring that golf fans can enjoy two consecutive weeks of top-tier golfing action!
A Community-Driven Mission
The main goal of this tournament is to benefit the United Way of the Midlands. By supporting this event, attendees will be contributing to a great cause while also enjoying an exhilarating display of talent from upcoming golf stars. Plus, the tournament aims to provide young golfers with exposure to potential professional opportunities. How exciting is that?
The Venue: Woodcreek Golf Club
The Woodcreek Golf Club is known for its stunning course designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio when it opened in 1997. Although it has hosted mini-tour events and various statewide competitions in the past, the Colonial Life Charity Classic will mark the club’s biggest event ever. With an impressive investment of $5 million from owner Harold Pickrel, and an additional $2 million set aside for further upgrades—including a new amphitheater near the clubhouse—the excitement surrounding this venue continues to grow!
Star Power and Future Prospects
The Korn Ferry Tour assists in developing professional golfers, with a remarkable statistic showing that 82% of current PGA Tour members once played on this tour. Recent success stories include famous names like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, and Bryson DeChambeau. In 2024 alone, 30 golfers from the Korn Ferry earned their PGA Tour cards, solidifying the tour’s reputation as a breeding ground for talent.
The Town of Elgin will soon welcome Chris Baker, a former Korn Ferry and PGA Tour player, who will take on the role of tournament director. Meanwhile, Gene Hallman of Eventive Sports is stepping in to manage this exciting event, bringing a wealth of experience from overseeing events across various golf tours including the LPGA and Champions Tour.
What’s Next?
Mark your calendars, folks! Not only is this one of the most exciting golf events coming to South Carolina, but it also adds to the state’s vibrant golf scene. With two existing PGA Tour events—the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head and the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic—the Colonial Life Charity Classic will be the Korn Ferry Tour’s second event in South Carolina, joining the ranks alongside the BMW Charity Pro-Am in Greer.
As the dates approach, the buzz will only grow, and we can’t wait to see how this event unfolds. Be part of this fantastic experience, support a noble cause, and witness some incredible golf at the Colonial Life Charity Classic!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Golf’s Thriving Economy in South Carolina: A $3.6 Billion Powerhouse
Myrtle Beach Hosts Golf Outing in Memory of a Hero
Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: Korn Ferry Tour
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Professional Golfers’ Association
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- PGA Tour
- Google Search: Colonial Life Charity 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.
