This May 6-10, the PGA Tour returned to Myrtle Beach for the third year with the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club and co-titled sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach and the charter jet company ONEflight International, the tournament once again reinforced Myrtle Beach’s reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World.”
Visit Myrtle Beach President Stuart Butler praised the event as another resounding success for the region. “The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic demonstrates how tourism-driven events elevate the destination’s national profile, strengthen the Grand Strand economy, and create lasting benefits for local residents, businesses and nonprofits alike,” he said.
From worldwide television exposure on the Golf Channel to community engagement opportunities such as the Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful beach sweep and local charitable giving, the event has a long-lasting impact on the community.
Charities serving Horry and Georgetown counties such as the Boys & Girls Club of Myrtle Beach, Champion Autism Network and Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach received direct donations from the PGA Tour totaling $250,000 for the third year in a row.
This year’s event is also expected to bring in around $15 million in economic impact to the region, similar to previous year’s, which supports local jobs and small businesses, allows local communities to invest in public services and keeps residents’ taxes low.
Enhancing The Region’s Quality of Life
Locals also experience an enhanced quality of life by providing an exciting opportunity to see world-class golf as well as top-name celebrities like Kurt Russell, John McEnroe and North Myrtle Beach-native Vanna White.
White was this year’s tournament ambassador and among the numerous celebrities who participated in the Wednesday Pro-Am. “I'm honored that they ask me to be an ambassador because I was born and raised here. And this is home to me, and it just is so special to be part of this,” she said following her Pro-Am round.
White says she’s watched the Grand Strand evolve since she was a child, but still cherishes those things that’s stayed the same. “Even though I come back and see all the growth, there are still places here that were here when I was a kid. So, it is still home to me, but much more big and much more beautiful.”
ONEflight International Ambassador Robert Herjavec, an entrepreneur and investor best known for Shark Tank, also participated in the Pro Am and praised Myrtle Beach. “This is a beautiful area to live," he said. "I think the best thing about this area is all the people I've met who are very aspirational. I think this area rewards entrepreneurship, and you see a lot of people doing well, and it's very motivating.”
The pro golfers participating in the tournament also praised the event, the course and the region like five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who said the tournament and the fans both energized his game. “That’s the most excited I’ve been playing golf in a long, long time,” Kopeka said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had fun playing golf. The fans have been been fantastic, they’ve been super supportive all week.”
The event concluded on Mother’s Day with Brandt Snedeker, a 10-time PGA Tour winner and 2026 U.S. Presidents Cup captain, capturing his first Tour victory since 2018 with an emotional one-shot win at 18-under par. Snedeker was presented with the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic trophy, which was handcrafted by a sculptor at Brookgreen Gardens, and a jacket, hand-tailored by a local designer.
During his post-round comments, Snedeker revealed his deep appreciation for the golf course and the Palmetto State, especially since he’s previously earned a Tour win in Hilton Head. “South Carolina has been very good to me,” he said. “I love coming down here. It's a great kind of similar to how I grew up. Slow pace of lifestyle. People are fantastic.”
Throughout tournament week, locals and visitors experienced the unique combination of hospitality, recreation and community spirit that defines the Grand Strand. The tournament has become a source of pride for the Grand Strand, and we at the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative especially thank all who participated, including the hundreds of volunteers, and helped Myrtle Beach shine on the global stage.
Next year’s tournament will be held May 12-16 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club with another celebrity pro-am event leading the week off. Later this year, tournament organizers will also share more information about the impact on the community along with more details about the 2027 event.
Meanwhile, be sure to visit MyrtleBeachClassic.com for updates.