Grand Strand economy gets $15.4 million boost from inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic, officials say

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic PGA Tour event in May had a $15.4 million economic impact on the local economy, officials said on Thursday.

“The event has exceeded our expectations in every possible way,” said Darren Nelson, tournament director. “Knowing that $15.4 million was put back into the Grand Strand economy is incredibly rewarding. It not only supports local business — both big and small — but generates additional tax income that ultimately improves the destination and enhances the quality of life for residents.”

The four-day tournament at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club drew more than 40,000 spectators and 132 players to the Grand Strand. Roughly 1,300 volunteers helped put on the event.

The $15.4 million economic impact was among the second-largest ever for an event on the Grand Strand, officials said. Only the 2015 Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach was larger at $20 million.

Here are some other key facts released by tournament organizers:

• 52% of Myrtle Beach Classic attendees visited the Grand Strand from areas located across the U.S. and 12 countries
• Nine charities based in Horry and Georgetown counties received $225,000.
• 9,400-plus lodging room nights booked across the Grand Strand.
• 281,000-plus rounds of golf were played across the Grand Strand in the month of May, an all-time record for the month.
• The Q at Myrtle Beach, a qualifying event that was released on Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s YouTube channel on April 23, generated over 530,000 hours of watch time and 1 million YouTube views.

“Year one of this remarkable PGA TOUR event further positioned The Beach as a premier travel destination for golf enthusiasts across the world,” said Tracy Connor, the interim president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “The entire Grand Strand experienced the positive effects of this major sporting event from increased tax revenues and job support to heightened golf participation and community pride, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.”

The 2025 Myrtle Beach Classic will be over the Mother’s Day weekend on May 8-11 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Tickets will go on sale this fall, and volunteer registration will open early 2025.

“We’re incredibly excited for year two of the Myrtle Beach Classic as plans are well underway to make it even bigger and better with an enhanced fan experience that includes more seating, entertainment options and vendors,” Nelson said. “We’re committed to building on this success to make the tournament another unforgettable experience.”

* * *

Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13 . He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook , X, formerly Twitter , and read more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.