Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, December 15, 2025
News Summary
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic returns for its second year, enhancing South Carolina’s reputation as a premier golf destination. With a significant boost in golf tourism and impressive statistics, Myrtle Beach is drawing millions of visitors. The tournament not only promotes golf but also contributes significantly to the local economy, generating hotel stays and attracting celebrities for pro-am events. The next edition promises to be an exhilarating experience for golf enthusiasts from May 7-10, 2025.
Myrtle Beach: A Golfing Dream Come True
Welcome to Myrtle Beach, where the grass is green, the sun is shining, and the air is filled with the sound of golf clubs connecting with balls. The thrill of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic has just returned for its second year, held at the beautiful Dunes Golf & Beach Club from May 7-10, 2025. This tournament is more than just a competitive event; it is helping to bolster South Carolina’s reputation as a premier golf destination!
The Rise of Golf Tourism
In 2024, golf tourism in South Carolina saw a remarkable boost, driven in large part by the introduction of the Myrtle Beach Classic. Thanks to a substantial $12.5 million marketing agreement signed by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) in 2023, golf fans and tourists are flooding to the state. South Carolina proudly boasts the title of being home to the United States’ very first golf course, located in historic Charleston, adding to its allure.
With an impressive 28.1 million Americans playing at least one round of golf in 2024, which is a 16% increase from 2019, it seems the love for the game is stronger than ever. Not only is golf the highest-earning entertainment or recreation activity in South Carolina, but it is also a key factor in the state’s growing tourism economy.
Myrtle Beach: The Heart of Golf in SC
Statistics reveal that a whopping 63% of golfers traveling to South Carolina in 2024 chose to stay in Myrtle Beach, a significant leap from 49% in 2019. This surge in visitors has resulted in golf aficionados contributing an astounding $1.2 billion to the South Carolina economy, marking a 9% increase from 2019. Ain’t that remarkable?
For the Myrtle Beach Classic, the excitement doesn’t end with the swinging of clubs. In its early years, the tournament alone generated over 9,000 hotel room nights, drawing more visitors to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand alongside their passion for golf. And it’s not just about the golf course; Myrtle Beach International Airport experienced a bustling 3.8 million passengers in the previous year, which is a 14% increase from prior figures. To top off this growth, a $93.5 million expansion of the airport wrapped up on December 1, ensuring travelers can easily reach this golf paradise.
Hitting it Big with Promotions
To capture the attention of potential visitors, SCPRT created engaging commercials, airing four “Discover South Carolina” spots in 2025. Remarkably, these generated a staggering 9.6 million impressions, with 84% coming from golf telecasts. Talk about getting the word out!
Star-Studded Events and Awards
The Myrtle Beach Classic isn’t just noted for golf; it has earned accolades, including the prestigious PGA Tour’s “Best-In-Class Element” award for creativity and engagement, particularly for its innovative qualifying event called The Q at Myrtle Beach. This exciting competition seen influencers and aspiring golf professionals battle it out is set to return in 2026, continuing to engage participants.
Adding to the charm of the tournament, A-list celebrities made appearances during the pro-am event, with stars like Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell hitting the greens. Moreover, post-round concerts created an electric atmosphere with performances from Chairmen of the Board and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line.
Looking Ahead
With all this momentum, there’s no doubt that the next edition of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is going to be a hit. Mark your calendars for the second annual event happening from May 7-10, 2025, and get ready for a golf experience that’s filled with fun, excitement, and plenty of sun!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Gears Up for America 250 Celebration with Golf Events
South Carolina: A Golf Lover’s Retirement Paradise
Community Golfers Remember Joseph M. Frank
Disc Golf Madness Takes Myrtle Beach by Storm
Myrtle Beach Gears Up for Groundbreaking Ceremony at Golf Course
Discovering Hidden Gems: Your Guide to Underrated Winter Golf Destinations
Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament Earns PGA Tour Recognition
New Golf Facility Opening Soon in Shallotte
Celebrating Service: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad Gala
Myrtle Beach Celebrates America’s 250th with Golf Festivities
Additional Resources
- On The Green Magazine: ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Recognized by PGA Tour
- PGA Tour: Purse Breakdown for ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
- PGA Tour: Who is Playing in the Myrtle Beach Classic
- Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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.
