Garden City, SC, November 14, 2025
News Summary
Former members of the Coastal Carolina University men’s golf team reunited in Garden City, SC for a nostalgic weekend filled with laughter, competition, and cherished memories. The group, which included notable alumnus Tom Gillis, shared stories of their collegiate years while enjoying beautiful golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. With plans for future reunions, these golfers celebrated their friendships and the love of the sport that brought them together.
Garden City, SC Welcomes Former Coastal Carolina Golfers for a Joyful Reunion
What a delightful time it was in Garden City, SC as former members of Coastal Carolina University’s men’s golf team from 1988-1992 gathered for their first reunion in many years! This special event took place in the beautiful surroundings of South Carolina, bringing back cherished memories and rekindling friendships. It was a time for laughter, nostalgia, and, of course, some friendly competition on the golf course.
An Unforgettable First Night
Among the group was Tom Gillis, a notable alumnus who made his way to CCU after being recruited from a junior college in Michigan by coach Billy Bernier. Now, imagine landing in a new town for the very first time, and for Gillis, that first night in Conway back in 1988 became a memorable and somewhat troublesome experience. He ended up spending the night in Horry County jail for a rather cheeky prank where he let the air out of a police car’s tire during a lively party. Understandably frightened as a newcomer from the north, he called coach Bernier for help, and his teammates rallied to raise $218 to bail him out the next day. Quite the initiation story!
Gathering of Old Friends
The reunion included other dedicated golfers such as Jay Smith, Trevor Gliwski, Tres Kirkland, Marty Carmichael, Denny Daniels, Kent Fukushima, Jeff Rashar, and Tad Pierson. Notably, Fukushima traveled the farthest, coming all the way from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It’s always heartwarming to see how far some friends are willing to go just to relive old moments together!
Golf and Fun Under the Sun
During the reunion, the group enjoyed playing several golf courses, including the stunning Grande Dunes Resort Course, where Gillis dazzled everyone with a remarkable score of 7-under-par 65. They also hit a number of other esteemed clubs in the Myrtle Beach area, further solidifying their love for the sport.
Nostalgic Shenanigans
As the stories flowed, so did the laughter—like when they hit golf balls at night near the Crossroads Apartments or that hilarious team pillow fight during a road trip. They even found the time to discuss the distinctly different coaching styles of Bernier and his successor, Tom Brennan, with Bernier being the more lenient of the two. These playful recollections truly showcased their special bond, formed during those collegiate years.
A Journey Beyond College
Following their time at CCU, Gillis went on to have a notable career, participating in mini-tours and ultimately spending eight successful years on the PGA Tour alongside other international competitions. His journey is an inspiring one, especially given that he didn’t initially aspire to play professionally.
Plans for the Future
As the reunion wrapped up, there was already talk of reconvening every three to five years in the Myrtle Beach area, a location that holds a special place for all of them. Organizers Smith and Pierson had discussed this reunion over the years at the PGA Show, making the gathering an eagerly anticipated event in their calendars.
Sharing Good Times
All in all, the weekend was filled with shared meals, laughter, and heartwarming reminiscences of days gone by, all while soaking in the sunshine of South Carolina once more. For these former CCU athletes, the reunion was not just about celebrating the past but also about cherishing friendships that have withstood the test of time.
Here’s to many more joyful reunions and countless new memories to be made! Cheers to the memories and camaraderie!
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Additional Resources
- On the Green Magazine
- News Item
- Coastal Carolina Sports
- AJC Travel
- NCAA Golf News
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Coastal Carolina Golf Team
- Google Scholar: Coastal Carolina University Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Coastal Carolina Golf Reunion
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.
