Myrtle Beach Welcomes PGA Tour for a Historic Classic
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with excitement as it plays host to its very first PGA Tour event—the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic. Known as America’s favorite traveling golf destination and affectionately dubbed ‘The Golf Capital of the World’, Myrtle Beach finally gets to showcase its rich golfing heritage on a national stage.
The Event Takes Shape
This event marks the third of five opposite-field tournaments on the PGA Tour this year. While the high-profile players tear it up at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina for a chunk of that whopping $20 million purse, Myrtle Beach is welcoming a wide array of seasoned professionals and up-and-coming stars eager to make their mark.
All eyes will be on the par-71 Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a breathtaking course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones. This stunning course hugs the Atlantic Ocean and is consistently ranked among Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in the USA. For those unfamiliar, Jones sculpted the course from a rugged sandy landscape dotted with oaks and lagoons back in the mid-20th century. Over the years, the Dunes has become surrounded by suburban life, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and modern living.
What to Expect
With a lineup featuring 38 previous PGA Tour winners, including the in-form Billy Horschel—hot off his recent victory in the Dominican Republic—golf fans are in for a thrill. Other big names like Brandt Snedeker, Joel Dahmen, and Cameron Champ will also be out on the greens, adding extra spark to the event. The nerves and anticipation are high, especially with the PGA Championship just around the corner. For many, this is a prime opportunity to build confidence and gain momentum for the upcoming tournament.
All About the Course
Speaking of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, one hole that stands out is the legendary 13th hole known as “Boomerang”. Stretching a hefty 590 yards, this par-5 wraps elegantly around Dunes Lake and is revered as one of the hallmarks of Jones’s craft. Playing on this hole, along with the entire course, offers golfers a beautiful mix of challenge and scenic beauty—all the ingredients for an unforgettable tournament.
The Stakes Are High
While the winner of the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic will pocket a yet-to-be-revealed cut of the $4 million purse along with 300 much-coveted FedExCup points, this tournament also offers a much-needed stage for players to showcase their skills and gain visibility ahead of more significant events.
Watch the Action Live
Golf enthusiasts can catch all the live action on the Golf Channel at the following times (all times EDT):
- Thursday, May 09: Golf Channel, 9:30 AM
- Friday, May 10: Golf Channel, 9:30 AM
- Saturday, May 11: Golf Channel, 9:30 AM
- Sunday, May 12: Golf Channel, 9:30 AM
Fans looking to follow tee times and player groupings can find all the information they need easily online.
A Bright Future Ahead
With this debut event, Myrtle Beach has officially stepped into the spotlight of professional golf. It marks the beginning of what could be a long and fruitful relationship between the city and the PGA Tour. As the players head out onto the lush fairways of the Dunes, one thing is certain: the Myrtle Beach Classic is sure to deliver unforgettable moments and a whole lot of excitement!
