Myrtle Beach, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach’s golf industry continues to flourish, contributing $1.6 billion to the local economy in 2024 despite recent challenges like reduced Canadian tourism. With 78 golf courses and over three million rounds played, the community remains vibrant. A key event, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, generated $15.8 million in economic impact this year, showcasing the sport’s importance in the region. Looking ahead, the golf community anticipates future growth with the upcoming Classic scheduled for 2026.
Myrtle Beach Golf Industry Continues to Thrive
Despite facing some recent bumps in the road, Myrtle Beach’s golf industry is alive and kicking! In 2024, golf was truly a heavyweight in the local economy, bringing in an impressive economic impact of $1.6 billion to the Grand Strand area. It’s hard to believe that golf has been supporting this community for nearly a century, with its roots dating back to 1927 when the very first golf course opened its doors.
The Golf Capital of the World
Myrtle Beach proudly wears the crown as “the golf capital of the world”, hosting an astonishing 78 golf courses for passionate players to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, there’s a course for everyone! In fact, in 2024, over three million rounds of golf were played in the area, emphasizing just how popular and vital this sport is to both residents and visitors alike.
Golf’s Economic Role
A key highlight of the golf scene is the job opportunities it creates. The golf operations in Myrtle Beach support over 13,000 jobs, providing millions of dollars in wages and benefits. It’s heartwarming to know that such a beloved sport not only brings entertainment but also plenty of employment for locals. An influx of new residents, mainly retirees looking for sun and golf, has only added to the area’s vibrant golf community.
Facing Challenges
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing all the way. Earlier this year, local golf courses experienced challenges due to economic uncertainties, notably those stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Additionally, a drop in Canadian tourism led to a significant decline in visitors, impacting business at local golf courses. In March, this reduction in Canadian visitors noticeably affected the clubs, reminding everyone just how intertwined tourism and golf are in this bustling region.
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Progressing forward, one of the highlights of Myrtle Beach’s golf calendar is the annual ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. This prestigious PGA Tour event took place from May 8-11, 2025, featuring 132 players vying for glory. This year, the Classic made waves by generating an estimated $15.8 million in economic impact over just four days! What a boost for local businesses!
However, attendance at the Classic did take a hit, with around 5,000 fewer visitors compared to its inaugural year, predominantly due to some not-so-great weather conditions. Even so, the event remained a significant contributor to the local community, with approximately $225,000 being donated to nine local nonprofits, including beloved organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand and Project Golf.
What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, the next ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is already in the works, scheduled for May 7-10, 2026. This is sure to be another exciting chapter for the Myrtle Beach golf scene, which continues to attract both serious golf enthusiasts and casual players, all while supporting the local community.
Despite the ups and downs, it’s clear that Myrtle Beach will always have a special place in the hearts of golfers. So whether you’re teeing off on a sunny day or cheering on your favorite pros at a major event, there’s no denying—golf is here to stay in Myrtle Beach!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament Shines with Charity and Economic Impact
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Jack Lee Wins First Collegiate Golf Tournament
Mixed Performance of High Schools in South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region
Golf Champion Emiliano Grillo Shines in 2025 Season
Myrtle Beach Golf Event Achieves Record Success!
Clemson Golf Team Prepares for Invitational in Chattanooga
Elon Men’s Golf Team Heads to JT Poston Invitational
Additional Resources
- ECU Pirates
- Post and Courier
- Coastal Carolina Athletics
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Golf Industry
- High Point Panthers
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.
