The World Amateur Handicap Championship – golf’s largest single-site tournament – is poised to tee off, and at the heart of the event’s appeal is the depth and quality of Myrtle Beach’s golf course offerings.
This year’s World Am, which will be held August 30 – September 3, will be played on 55 area courses, including more than 10 that have been ranked among America’s top 100 public layouts.
Ultimately, the goal for all 3,500 players is to win his or her flight and earn the right to compete in the World Championship Playoff at the Grande Dunes Resort Club, where the event’s champion will be crowned. Grande Dunes, which features the beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway on five holes, is an ideal venue to host the World Am’s championship round.
The layout features wide fairways, large greens and a lot of fun. Universally regarded as one of South Carolina’s premier public golf courses, the Grande Dunes
experience is highlighted by the par 3 14th hole (pictured right). The Intracoastal runs along the right side and players tees off from an elevated green that provides a stunning view of the hole and the waterway.
Grande Dunes is the course World Am golfers most want to play, given what will be at stake, but it’s hardly the only one. King’s North, an Arnold Palmer classic, Pawleys Plantation, one of Jack Nicklaus’ most popular designs, and World Tour will leave players delighted.
Golfers will also enjoy Pine Lakes, Tradition, Aberdeen and the Palmetto and PineHills courses at Myrtlewood, all of which have installed new greens in recent years, ensuring a premium putting surface awaits.
Layouts like Burning Ridge, Founders Club, Litchfield Country Club, Long Bay, West Course and SouthCreek at Myrtle Beach National, River Club, River Hills, Wild Wing Avocet and Willbrook are all in prime condition and ready to welcome tournament players as well.
A 72-hole, net stroke play tournament, the World Am, which is open to all players 18 years of age and older, flights players based on age, gender and handicap.
The World Am flights players into 11 divisions – men 49 and under, senior men (50-59), mid-senior men (60-69), super senior men (70-79), seasoned seniors (80+), women (59 and under), senior women (60+), the gross division, senior (50+) gross division and women’s gross division. There is also a “Just For Fun” flight, created for players who want to enjoy the World Am experience without the pressure of competition.
