South Carolina, January 9, 2026
News Summary
As 2026 approaches, enthusiasm for golf in South Carolina is at an all-time high, thanks to a series of successful events in 2025. With champions and significant achievements lighting the path, the South Carolina Golf Association is making strategic changes to enhance the golfing experience. From moving championships to expanding junior series, the SCGA’s future plans ensure that golf remains vibrant in the state. Additionally, the growth of women’s participation in golf further enriches the community, promising an exciting lineup of events and opportunities in 2026.
Excitement Builds for South Carolina Golf Ahead of 2026 Goals
As we wave goodbye to a thrilling year, golf enthusiasts in South Carolina are buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead in 2026. The year 2025 was nothing short of spectacular, filled with unforgettable moments and impressive achievements that really put the Palmetto State on the golfing map.
2025: A Year to Remember
Looking back, 2025 was a standout year for golf in South Carolina. It was highlighted by the remarkable victory of Dawn Woodard, who clinched the title at the U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur championship. This achievement not only displayed her incredible skills but also underscored the region’s talent on a grand stage.
Meanwhile, Sam Jackson made waves by being named Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive time, a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and prowess in the game. And let’s not forget about the legendary Michael Carlisle, who was honored with an induction into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the sport.
Building on Momentum for 2026
With such a successful 2025 in the rearview, the South Carolina Golf Association (SCGA) is looking ahead with big plans to keep that momentum rolling. According to executive director Biff Lathrop, they are making exciting improvements aimed at enhancing the golf community’s experience.
For starters, the SCGA is moving its *Par-3 championship* to the spring, offering an ideal time for both golfers and fans to enjoy the event. Another significant change for 2026 is the expansion of the *Hootie Series* for juniors, which will transition from a summer-only schedule to a year-round series, ensuring that young golfers have more opportunities to hone their skills and compete.
In addition to these changes, the SCGA is set to move into a new headquarters located in Irmo by mid-2026. This is an exciting step forward that promises to further support the SCGA’s efforts and initiatives.
Encouraging Growth for Women in Golf
On the women’s side, the Women’s South Carolina Golf Association (WSCGA) is celebrating a notable rise in female participation in golf. With a current membership near 17,000 golfers holding GHIN handicaps, the WSCGA is planning to introduce three new clinics to support this growing interest and provide even more resources for ladies looking to get involved.
Upcoming Championships and Tournaments
Golf lovers can look forward to a lineup of major championships happening in 2026. The SCGA is gearing up for the Amateur at the Quixote Club in Sumter, the Mid-Amateur at Spring Valley CC, the Senior at Callawassie Island Club, and the Junior at CC of Spartanburg. For women, the Women’s Amateur is set for the scenic Santee Cooper Country Club, with the Women’s Open at Cobblestone Park.
As if that’s not enough, mark your calendars for the RBC Heritage, a signature PGA Tour event, taking place from April 16-19 in Hilton Head Island. Plus, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is scheduled for May 7-10, and the Korn Ferry Tour will debut in the Midlands with the Colonial Life Charity Classic from May 14-17. The excitement doesn’t stop there; June will feature the infamous BMW Charity Pro-Am at both Thornblade and CC of Spartanburg.
Local Stars Shine Bright
Among the talented golfers representing South Carolina, Andrew Novak has made a name for himself, ranking No. 34 in world standings. He is joined by fellow golfers Lucas Glover at No. 62 and Jacob Bridgeman at No. 81, all making waves on the PGA Tour.
As golf’s popularity continues to soar, South Carolina’s golf community is buzzing with excitement, especially as many players flock to driving ranges, even in the chilly weather. With all these thrilling plans set in motion for 2026, it’s safe to say that the future of golf in South Carolina is looking brighter than ever!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Golf in South Carolina
- Golfweek
- Google Search: 2026 golf events
- NC A&T Aggies
- Google Scholar: Women in Golf
- Today’s Golfer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Amateur Golf
- Google News: Golf 2026
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.
