The world’s largest single-site golf tournament – the World Amateur Handicap Championship – will tee off in Myrtle Beach for the 41st consecutive year on Monday, August 26, attracting 3,000 golfers from 49 states and 17 countries.
At the heart of the tournament’s appeal is the opportunity for regular golfers to play a 72-hole, net stroke play event; and there is only one destination with depth and quality of golf courses to host an event of the World Am’s size – Myrtle Beach.
Fifty-four courses will host the tournament, including a who’s who of the area’s best, helping ensure players of a memorable week. At the top of the list is the Grande Dunes Resort Course, (top photo) which will be hosting the World Championship Playoff, where the event’s ultimate winner will be crowned on Friday, August 30.
Joining Grande Dunes on the tournament’s list of high-profile hosts are TPC Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation, Caledonia, Tidewater and the four courses at Barefoot Resort, among many others.
Players are separated into 12 divisions based on age, gender and handicap – 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, mid-senior (60+) gross division and women’s gross division. There is also a “Just for Fun” flight, created for players who want to enjoy the experience without the pressure of competition.
Flights are tightly grouped in terms of handicap range, and the tournament staff vigorously enforces handicaps, protecting the competitive integrity of the event.
Much as players enjoy the competition, it’s only part of the World Am’s attraction. Each night participants gather at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to enjoy the World’s Largest 19th Hole, an expo that includes free food, drinks, live entertainment, celebrity guests and more.
The camaraderie fostered at the 19th Hole, where old friendships are rekindled and new ones made, is as significant as the competition.
To follow the event, visit MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.
(Photos for this feature from our Instagram Account @myrtlebeachgolftrips)
