The Palmetto State provides the courses, culture and infrastructure necessary for designing and executing a top-notch golf tournament
By Billy Stampfl
South Carolina has carved out a distinguished reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and tournament planners alike. With its picturesque landscapes, world-class courses, and strategic partnerships with prestigious organizations like the PGA, the state offers an unparalleled experience for hosting golf tournaments and attracting players and fans from around the globe.
Stay Ahead in Sports Planning—Subscribe Today! and Read More Sports Info for FREE
South Carolina’s PGA Partnership
South Carolina recently cemented its status as a top golfing destination by inking a landmark five-year marketing agreement with the PGA Tour. This collaboration aims to elevate the state’s visibility as a golf mecca, showcasing its exceptional courses and facilities to a worldwide audience. But beyond the partnership’s worthy objectives, more important is that it underscores South Carolina’s golf history and commitment to promoting golf tourism. The state has over 350 courses; golf is a vital driver of its $29 billion tourism industry, with an estimated $3.3 billion economic impact in 2021 and a contribution of 38,000 jobs. The PGA was undoubtedly familiar with those statistics and picked South Carolina for a reason–and tourney planners should remember that as they consider hosting a golf event at one of the state’s many pristine courses.
South Carolina’s Golf Recognition and Accolades
South Carolina’s commitment to golf excellence has garnered global recognition. The state is consistently praised as one of the top golf destinations worldwide, with major publications and other entities celebrating its contributions to the game. Links Magazine recently hailed three of South Carolina’s islands as part of the 10 best “golf islands” on the planet.
The Palmetto State selections include Hilton Head Island, which has 30 top golf courses, including the spectacular Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, on and around the resort destination; Kiawah Island, home to the Ocean Course, site of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship and considered one of the world’s most difficult courses; and Pawleys Island, located on the south end of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand. How remarkable is it that South Carolina managed three entries on Links Magazine’s list?
The accolades don’t end there. In 2023, the International Association of Golf Travel Operators named South Carolina among the top five golf destinations in the world. It is the only U.S. state to make the global Golf Destination of the Year list, sharing the well-known recognition with Cyprus, Los Cabos, Dubai, and Thailand.
Level Up Your Event Planning Skills—Subscribe Now and Download the SPG Magazine for Expert Tips and News
Golfing in Myrtle Beach
At the heart of South Carolina’s golfing allure lies Myrtle Beach, the “Golf Capital of the World.” With over 90 championship courses sprawled along its sensational coastline and inland landscapes, Myrtle Beach offers a diverse range of golfing experiences suited for players of all ages and skill levels. The city’s dedication to golf is exemplified by the addition of the Myrtle Beach Classic, a new PGA event that has quickly become a highlight of the golfing calendar. This tourney not only attracts top players; it also draws enthusiastic spectators eager to witness world-class golf against a backdrop of coastal beauty. The stakes are high, too: the champion this past May took home $3.9 million in winnings.
Beyond its splashy new PGA event, Myrtle Beach represents summer golfing at its finest–especially for children. From June 1 through August 31, kids 16 and under play free at each participating course when accompanied by a paid adult. This attractive offer applies to afternoon play at all courses in the Kids Play Free program, and any time of day at all but nine participating courses. From Aberdeen Country Club to World Tour Golf Links, kids can spend the summer months traversing Myrtle Beach, enjoying the warm weather and buzzing golf scene.
Myrtle Beach also hosts the World Amateur Championship. This event brings in more than 3,000 amateur golfers that play on over 50 courses in the Myrtle Beach Area. Each day ends with a hospitality and golf show at the convention center named the 19th Hole.
Charleston is a fantastic golf destination
Charleston is one of the best golfing destinations in South Carolina, and the world. Each year, the Charleston area is the host site of some 30 golf tournaments including major tournaments held by the USGA, LPGA, the Ryder Cup and the PGA Tour.
In 2012 and 2021, Charleston hosted the prestigious PGA Championship at The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This resort was again chosen to host the event in 2031, another major feather in the city’s cap.
Charleston is also expanding its golf resume as two new courses are being built, at Kiawah Island Club and Berkeley County.
Spartanburg hosts quality events
BMW Charity Pro-Am
The BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament has become a summertime tradition in the Upstate, and it’s the only event on the Korn Ferry Tour where amateurs and celebrities are grouped with Tour pros in a three-day better-ball competition over two courses: the Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg and the Thornblade Club in Greer.
Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of Sports Planning—Subscribe and Never Miss an Update
Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational
In 2023, Spartanburg played host to the top amateur golfers from across the country for the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational. The tournament, established in 1995, is one of the top-rated junior golf events in the country. The 2023 field featured 5 of the top 10 ranked junior golfers in the U.S., and 22 of the top 50 in total, playing at the Country Club of Spartanburg.
LPGA Amateur Golf Association Atlantic Regional Qualifier
In August 2024, The Carolina Country Club served as host to the LPGA Amateur Golf Association’s Atlantic Region Qualifier. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is a passionate, inclusivegroup ofwomenmade up of over 15,500+ members of all golf abilities throughout 130+ global chapters. As one of the eight regional qualifiers in the US, winners of the Atlantic Region Qualifier in Spartanburg will qualify for an opportunity to compete at the 2024 Cup Finals in October.
Major Golf Tournaments and Events in South Carolina
The Myrtle Beach Classic is South Carolina’s newest PGA Tour event, but the state hosts numerous other official tournaments and charity pro-ams. One example is the BMW Charity Pro-Am, held annually in Greenville. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this bustling city is famous for the Greenville County Museum of Art–but also for its renowned golf scene. The BMW Pro-Am combines professional golf with philanthropy, attracting top-tier players and enthusiastic crowds to its scenic courses and vibrant downtown area.
Meanwhile, the RBC Heritage takes place annually in Hilton Head and draws golf aficionados to the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links, known for its challenging layout and stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Global superstar Scottie Scheffler won the most recent tourney, putting a bow on one of South Carolina’s most important–its economic impact in 2024 was $102 million–golf events.
South Carolina stands as a beacon in the world of golf, offering the ideal blend of natural beauty, exceptional courses, and renowned hospitality. Whether planning a professional tournament, a corporate golf outing, or a leisurely golf vacation, the Palmetto State’s diverse offerings guarantee an unforgettable experience for all. And beyond strategic partnerships and international accolades, tourney planners who choose South Carolina can count on a warm Southern welcome and a genuine passion for the game that defines the state’s identity.
Join the Community of Sports Planners! Get Your Free Subscription and Download the Sports Planning Guide Magazine for FREE
