Myrtle Beach, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The golf industry in Myrtle Beach is making substantial contributions to the local economy, generating $1.6 billion and supporting over 13,300 jobs. With nearly 100 years of history, golfing in this area is not only a popular pastime but an economic powerhouse that fuels local businesses and provides significant employment opportunities. Upcoming events, like the World Amateur Championship, highlight golf’s crucial role in tourism and regional development.
Myrtle Beach Golf Sector Generates $1.6 Billion in Economic Impact!
It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourism scene, but there’s another aspect that’s making waves in the local economy—the golf industry. According to a recent economic impact study, this sector has an astounding $1.6 billion value, and it is supporting a whopping 13,340 jobs in the area!
Putting Money on the Table
The financial contributions of this thriving industry are impressive. With $482.9 million generated in wages and benefits for employees, it’s clear that golf donates significantly to the livelihoods of many families in the region. Additionally, the industry produced $134.8 million in state and local taxes, which plays a crucial role in funding essential community services and infrastructure.
Golfing for Nearly a Century
The study emphasizes how golf has been a fundamental part of differentiating and diversifying the Myrtle Beach area for nearly 100 years. With its breathtaking courses nestled in both Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina, extending into Brunswick County in North Carolina, the golf scene is as sprawling as it is stunning. By 2024, the region is expected to boast around 80 golf courses, offering a variety of experiences for players of all skill levels.
The Playful Numbers
An estimated 759,000 golfers have journeyed over 50 miles just to tee off in Myrtle Beach. This dedication translates to a staggering 1.4 million rounds expected by the end of 2024. Golf tourists contribute directly to the local economy by spending over $705 million on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. It’s not just about swinging clubs; it’s about fueling local businesses!
The Job Market Thrives
Golf’s impact stretches beyond the green; it has also supported over 7,300 tourism-related jobs. From hotel staff to restaurant workers, the industry’s ripple effects are felt throughout the job market. The World Amateur Championship, an event that draws nearly 3,000 golfers annually, showcases golf’s economic force in the region, solidifying the notion that this sport is more than just a pastime; it’s an economic powerhouse.
Collaboration for Success
The study, which relied on operational, economic, and tourism data from 2024, was a labor of love involving collaboration from various entities. The National Golf Foundation, Golf Tourism Solutions, the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association, and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism all contributed to the assessment. A total of 69 facilities, 78 golf courses, and 10 off-course facilities were evaluated to produce a clear picture of golf’s importance in the area.
Breaking Down the Impact
Digging into the numbers, the direct economic impact generated from golf facility operations reached $365.1 million, while golf tourism alone contributed $705.4 million to the local economy. Capital investments in golf totaled $27.5 million, which allows for continuous development and improvement of the golf experience.
It’s More than Just a Game
The total economic impact of the golfing industry includes the money earned and spent across various sectors such as shopping, dining, and transportation. All these factors combine to show just how vital the golfing sector is for Myrtle Beach—not just for locals, but for visitors alike.
As more golf enthusiasts make their way to this stunning coastal city to enjoy the great courses, it’s clear that Myrtle Beach will continue to reap the benefits of its flourishing golf sector for many years to come!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Golf Club Hosts Fashion Designer Mehera Blum Trunk Show
Myrtle Beach Golf Scene Boosts Economy with $1.6 Billion Impact
ECU Advances in NCAA Tournament with Win Over Florida
South Carolina High School Football Season Kicks Off
HTC and American Heart Association Donate CPR Training Kits
Alina Habba’s Tenure as U.S. Attorney Ruled Invalid
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Forbes
- Google Search: golf economic impact Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina golf economic impact
- On The Green Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach golf
- Golf Course Industry
- Google News: Myrtle Beach golf jobs
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.
