‘Golf Capital of the World’ Shines Bright During PGA TOUR tournament
The second annual ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic concluded on Mother’s Day, marking another milestone in Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class golf and entertainment. The PGA TOUR event sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach and ONEflight International delivered an unforgettable week of competition, celebrity appearances and community engagement, that once again placed the “Golf Capital of the World” in the national spotlight.
Hosted at the stunning Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, the tournament attracted a full field of 132 players from across the globe, including PGA TOUR veterans like Brandt Snedeker and Bill Hass and rising stars like Blades Brown and Jackson Byrd, all competing for the handcrafted trophy by local Brookgreen Gardens sculptor Bryan Rapp, a custom, ocean-blue jacket tailored by Myrtle Beach’s Jonathan Smith, a share of the $4 million purse, a two-year PGA TOUR exemption and 300 FedExCup points.
After a thrilling, three-way playoff, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox secured his first PGA TOUR title on American soil with a sensational 50-foot chip-in birdie to clinch the victory over Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes and USA’s Harry Higgs.
Fox, who played in the inaugural Classic, said Myrtle Beach’s ambiance contributed to his win. “It's always nice coming back to a golf course that you like, that you've got good memories of. Last year I did some fishing around the golf course. This year, I did some fishing and caught a couple of flounder. Just a nice relaxing week. I spent plenty of time with the kids on the beach and the water park and stuff like that. It's amazing what being happy off the golf course can do for you on the golf course.”
Viewers from across the country tuned in as the Golf Channel provided over eight hours of live coverage featuring the Dunes’ notorious alligators, majestic oaks and scenic coastal views that surround the Robert Trent Jones-designed course known for its challenging layout.
Beyond the greens, the Classic offered a vibrant array of entertainment and community-focused activities. The Wednesday Pro-Am featured a star-studded lineup, including Academy Award winners Kevin Costner and Kurt Russell, both ambassadors of ONEflight International, David Arquette, Michael Chiklis, Wallis Day, Esai Morales, Rob Riggle and North Myrtle Beach's own Vanna White. Bill Murray also made a surprise appearance.
The Fan Zone adjacent to the 17th green buzzed with excitement, hosting free concerts by multi-platinum artist Tyler Hubbard and the legendary Chairmen of the Board. These events, coupled with enhanced dining and shopping options, created a festival-like atmosphere that delighted attendees of all ages.
Community engagement remained at the heart of the Classic with over $250,000 benefiting nine local nonprofit organizations while players participated in beach cleanups and hospital visits, students received hands-on learning experience and over 1,300 volunteers contributed to the event’s success.
Ferren Rajput, CEO of ONEflight International, added, "We are thrilled to see the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic continue to grow year after year. This event has become a true celebration of golf, community and giving back. The energy this year, particularly with the incredible celebrity participation and the amazing generosity from our attendees, was absolutely outstanding. We are also proud to have gifted a 5-hour JetCard to the top 50 that made the cut, further enhancing the experience for all involved. Additionally, we are proud to contribute to the economic impact of Myrtle Beach while supporting the incredible work of local charities. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach and the Dunes Golf and Tennis Club to make this event even bigger in the years to come."
“The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic exemplifies our community’s spirit and our commitment to excellence. This event not only showcases top-tier golf but also highlights Myrtle Beach as a dynamic destination for visitors worldwide. We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the event’s success,” said Tracy Conner, Interim President and CEO, Visit Myrtle Beach.
Visit Myrtle Beach sponsors several entertainment and sporting events held in the Grand Strand each year as a way to spur business throughout the community. Explore VisitMyrtleBeach.com for a calendar of upcoming events and things to do, and get out on the links at PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.