The end of the year means it’s awards season here at MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com. This isn’t the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where voters from across the nation weigh in – you’ve got a panel of one.
That said, I’ve been paying attention all year, and here’s one man’s look back at some of the standout courses, players, people, and moments of 2025.
PGA Tour Shot of the Year
Hyperbole? Maybe. But Ryan Fox’s chip-in for birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the second annual Myrtle Beach Classic belongs on any short list of the Tour’s best shots this season.
Fox’s clutch effort vanquished Mackenzie Hughes and Harry Higgs and earned the New Zealander our Shot of the Year award.
Course I Can’t Wait to Play Again
There were plenty of candidates, but I’m going with Pawleys Plantation. For starters, the Jack Nicklaus design got the better of me last time out. Beyond that, the views are unforgettable, and following a 2023 renovation, the course is in the best condition it’s been in during my 20-plus years in Myrtle Beach.
I’m looking forward to my return bout with this beauty.
It’s About Time Award
The Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class in 2009, and since then nearly every segment of the local golf industry has been recognized, except one: golf course superintendents.
That changed in 2025, when Founders Group International Vice President of Agronomy Max Morgan received the call. A superintendent since the early 1980s, Morgan has arguably impacted more golf trips than any individual in Myrtle Beach history, making this overdue honor richly deserved.
Renovation of the Year
While the work wasn’t fully complete until December, golfers will find the newly renovated King’s North worth the wait.
FGI has completed several successful renovations in recent years — Pine Lakes, Grande Dunes, Pawleys Plantation — but the work at King’s North was the most architecturally impactful. Brandon Johnson, a longtime Arnold Palmer protégé, overhauled the greens and surrounds to dramatic effect. Always fun to play, King’s North is now even more creative.
Expect it to be one of 2026’s hottest tee times.
Best “New” Clubhouse
Golf course upgrades always steal the spotlight, but this award goes to Jackson’s View, River Club’s newly renovated clubhouse restaurant.
The updated dining room features a clean, modern look, anchored by a new bar and an elevated menu that makes the post-round experience nearly as memorable as the golf itself. Kudos to the River Club team.
South Carolina’s Favorite Influencers
YouTube Golf is all the rage, so here is a shoutout to the Palmetto’s State favorite influencers – the Bryan Bros, George and Wesley.
The Columbia natives and University of South Carolina alums made multiple visits to the Grand Strand in 2025, including hosting the Bryan Bros Shootout at Grande Dunes, further endearing themselves to residents of golf’s most popular destination.
South Carolina Golf Course of the Year
Last but certainly not least, we recognize the only recipient of an official award. Congratulations to Prestwick Country Club, named South Carolina Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. (Prestwick Country Club top photo)
General Manager Jay Smith and his staff do outstanding work, and the honor is richly deserved.
Here’s to a great 2026.
Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account
