Myrtle Beach, September 27, 2025
News Summary
On September 24, 2025, Myrtle Beach celebrated the induction of Max Morgan and Dr. Bruce Martin into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame. Both have made significant contributions to golf course management and turfgrass science, enhancing the golfing experience in the area. Morgan, known for his work in maintaining high-quality golf courses, and Martin, a renowned plant pathologist, exemplify dedication to the sport and its upkeep in this beautiful coastal region.
Myrtle Beach Inducts New Golf Legends into Hall of Fame
On September 24, 2025, the beautiful city of Myrtle Beach celebrated a remarkable event at Pine Lakes Country Club, welcoming two esteemed individuals into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame. The ceremony honored the outstanding contributions of Max Morgan and Dr. Bruce Martin, who have dedicated their lives to the upkeep and science of golf course management.
A Legacy of Excellence
Max Morgan, affectionately known as Arthur L. “Max” Morgan Jr., has spent over four decades as an area superintendent and director of agronomy. His commitment to providing consistently good conditions for golfers in the Grand Strand area is nothing short of impressive. The Hall of Fame currently boasts 38 members, and Morgan is proud to be the first superintendent recognized for his efforts in maintaining the quality of golf courses.
Dr. Bruce Martin, a veteran plant pathologist associated with Clemson University, rounds out the list of this year’s inductees. Though he could not attend the ceremony due to health issues, his contributions to turfgrass management and plant science have left an indelible mark on the Myrtle Beach golf community.
Pioneering Agronomy in Golf
Many might not realize the challenges faced by greenskeepers in the Grand Strand. This region is a transitional zone for both warm- and cool-weather grasses, meaning that maintenance teams must be adept at managing the unique environmental factors that come into play. For example, most area courses use Bermudagrass, which goes dormant in winter, requiring overseeding with cool-weather grasses such as rye and poa trivialis. The historical reliance on bentgrass greens during the 1990s also led to issues with summer heat stress.
Adding to the challenge, tropical storms and hurricanes frequently wreak havoc on local golf courses, often damaging and flooding the greens. The coastal sandy soil, while excellent for drainage, can wash away essential nutrients crucial for healthy grass growth, making the work of superintendents all the more vital.
Mutual Respect for the Game
Morgan expressed his excitement about being inducted, emphasizing that he doesn’t seek glory but rather a deep-seated love for taking care of golf courses. His current role as vice president of agronomy for Founders Group International allows him to oversee 21 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. He actively works to forge strong relationships between maintenance crews and pro shop staff to enhance the overall golfing experience.
Throughout his career, Morgan has been dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming superintendents, ensuring that a legacy of excellence continues in the region.
A Tribute to Hard Work
Dr. Martin has made significant contributions as well, having established a turfgrass diagnostic lab at Horry-Georgetown Technical College back in 1987 to support local superintendents. Throughout his 31 years at Clemson University, he has become a recognized authority on turfgrass diseases and nematode management. His accolades, including the prestigious Col. John Morley Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, speak volumes about his impact in this field.
In 2005, he was distinguished as one of the 10 most influential people in the South Carolina golf industry by the S.C. Golf Course Ratings Panel, a testament to the respect he has earned from his peers.
A Bright Future
The Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame was established in 2008 to honor those who have had a lasting impact on the local golf scene. With the induction of Morgan and Martin, the Hall not only celebrates their achievements but also the challenging journey of maintaining the lush, playable golf courses that Myrtle Beach is known for.
As both men take their place among the greats, residents and visitors alike can look forward to even more robust golf experiences, thanks to their dedication and expertise.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Inductees
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame
- On The Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Class
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Course Management
- TurfNet: Legends Inducted into Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame
- Google News: Golf Course Management
- Myrtle Beach Online: Golf News
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.
