Myrtle Beach, January 3, 2026
News Summary
Students at Horry Georgetown Technical College are actively working at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club to prepare for the upcoming Myrtle Beach Classic Golf Tournament, the first major PGA tournament in 24 years. They are gaining hands-on experience in turf management while ensuring the course is in pristine condition for the event scheduled for May 9-12, 2024. This initiative highlights both the students’ education and the regional importance of the golf tournament and industry.
Myrtle Beach Students Gear Up for the Myrtle Beach Classic Golf Tournament
In the sunny heart of Myrtle Beach, students from Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) have taken to the lush greens of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, making a noticeable difference just in time for an exciting upcoming event. Yes, you guessed it! They are getting the course ready for the Myrtle Beach Classic, the first sanctioned PGA major tournament to hit the beach in a whopping 24 years! This prestigious tournament is set to take place from May 9-12, 2024, and the students are hard at work repairing divots and prepping the course for golf fans and players alike.
Meet the Young Heroes of the Golf Course
Among those rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty are students like Bryce Holliday, Dillon Dupree, and Ryan Linke. Another dedicated student, Blaise Moyer, was spotted hosing down the greens on the third hole, ensuring everything looks pristine for the big event. It’s a perfect mix of learning and real-world application, making these hardworking students part of something much larger as they contribute to such a renowned tournament in their community.
A Little Backstory on the Myrtle Beach Classic
The Myrtle Beach Classic is not just any tournament; it marks an exciting return to the area, showcasing the thriving golf culture that the region has fostered over the decades. And speaking of thriving, it’s important to highlight the ongoing efforts in the area to enhance golf courses. Just recently, the Wild Dunes Harbor Course underwent a stunning $9.5 million renovation, reopening on November 13, 2024, after a six-month closure. Improvements included upgrading irrigation systems and planning adjustments to avoid flooding, all adding to the golfing experience for both players and fans.
A Legacy in Turf Management Education
At the center of this educational journey is Charles Granger, who chairs the Golf Turf and Sports Management program at HGTC. His school was visionary enough to establish the Turf Management program back in 1970, catering to an ever-growing resort market in Myrtle Beach, famously dubbed the “Golf Capital of the World.” Today, this program boasts an impressive 72 students pursuing an associate degree in golf and sports turf management, and it proudly holds a 100% job placement rate. Graduates find themselves in high demand, securing positions at major golf courses across the Southeast, and even with major league baseball teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, and Chicago Cubs.
Unique Challenges Ahead
However, maintaining a golf course is not as easy as it might seem, especially in a coastal area where environmental challenges abound. Students gain practical experience by applying what they learn in the classroom to tackle real-world issues like salt tolerance and heat. It’s a specialized skill set that prepares them for a range of situations. For example, there are unique challenges like dealing with the notorious No. 5 hole at the Wexford Golf Club on Hilton Head Island—known for its length and tricky hazards, including sand traps and even an alligator-filled pond. Jordan Feathers, who graduated from the horticulture program at HGTC in 2019, currently maintains this challenging course and embodies the pride of HGTC’s successful graduates.
Setting New Standards
Golf courses continue to generate economic benefits, with South Carolina raking in a record $3.6 billion from golfing activities and related expenditures in 2024. Scott Ferguson, superintendent of Wild Dunes’ golf courses, highlights that managing golf turf goes far beyond basic landscaping. His daily maintenance routine begins at the crack of dawn at 6 a.m., underscoring the dedication involved in maintaining the courses.
A Bright Future Awaits
With the recent opening of a turf demonstration center at HGTC’s Conway campus, the program is well-equipped to prepare the next generation of turf managers. Charles Granger firmly believes that the quality of education here rivals that of any four-year institution, poised to set students on a fulfilling path in turf management.
As the Myrtle Beach Classic approaches, the students of Horry Georgetown Technical College are not only learning the ropes of golf course management but also becoming integral parts of an exciting chapter in Myrtle Beach’s rich golfing history.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Celebrity Golf Tournament
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Go CC Sports: Men’s Golf
- Post and Courier: SC Golf Courses
- MSN: New Indoor Golf Facility
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.
