Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes Two New Inductees
In a heartfelt ceremony held on September 24, Pine Lakes Country Club witnessed a momentous addition to its Hall of Fame Garden. This lovely spot now proudly showcases the plaques of two remarkable individuals, Charlie Thrash and Phillip Graham, elevating the membership of the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame to an impressive 36 members.
Who are the New Inductees?
First up is Charlie Thrash, whose impressive life journey spans more than just golf. Born in Beaumont, Texas, he spent over two decades serving in the U.S. Air Force where he earned honors such as the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit. He joined the Myrtle Beach community in 1978 and found a second calling in the golfing world after retiring as a colonel in 1995.
Thrash became the general manager of Bay Tree Golf Club, where his leadership helped the club host a variety of significant tournaments until it closed in 2006. But his biggest accomplishment came when he took on the role of director of Coastal Carolina University’s PGA Golf Management Program. Under his guidance, this program blossomed into the largest of its kind in the U.S.
“I was tasked with two big goals: grow the program and find a way to acquire a golf course adjacent to the school,” Thrash shared during his induction. “Thanks to some creative financing and a few midnight calls, we pulled it off!” This acquisition turned into what is now known as the General James Hackler Course, serving many educational and recreational needs for students.
Phil Graham’s Legacy
Next, we have Phillip Graham, a man who made his mark in the golf cart industry. Starting his journey in 1968 with less than a handful of golf courses in the area, Graham witnessed an explosion of growth, as he was a major supplier of carts throughout the Grand Strand, which saw the addition of over 100 golf courses during his career.
Working for E-Z-GO, Graham rose to prominence, managing a branch for over 30 years before becoming the regional distributor in 2003. “Even on his deathbed, his thoughts were about his family and customers,” shared Matt Daly, who presented Graham’s induction. “He believed in hard work, integrity, and community commitment.” The influence of these values continues through his family’s ongoing operations of Graham E-Z-GO.
Fond Memories and Celebrations
During the induction ceremony, Thrash shared his gratitude, emphasizing the cooperative spirit that defines Myrtle Beach’s golf industry. “It’s those relationships and the dedication to community that truly make Myrtle Beach special,” he reflected positively.
The Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame was first established back in 2008 and has welcomed 34 members before Thrash and Graham stepped into the spotlight. Some of the notable members include Clay Brittain Jr., J. Bryan Floyd, and even golf superstar Dustin Johnson.
As the Myrtle Beach golfing community celebrates the legacy of these two passionate individuals, it’s evident that their contributions have left an indelible mark. The beautiful plaques in the Hall of Fame Garden stand as not only a testament to their achievements but also to the heartfelt dedication they both brought to the world of golf.
A Bright Future Ahead
While Charlie Thrash has now settled in Colorado Springs with family, he will forever remember his time on the Grand Strand. As for Phillip Graham, even after his passing in 2019, his family continues his values and commitment to excellence in the business.
As the Myrtle Beach golf community gathers to remember and honor such influential figures, one thing is clear: their stories of hard work, dedication, and community spirit will continue to inspire future generations. Cheers to Charlie and Phillip—the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame indeed shines a little brighter today!
