2026 World Am Preview: The 43rd Anniversary Edition, By the Numbers
We’re down to the final hours before thousands of players from throughout the United States and around the globe descend once more upon The Golf Capital of the World® to experience the largest, most fun and most valuable golf tournament on the planet!
The 43rd Annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship kicks off this weekend with player registration at the PGA TOUR Superstore location in Myrtle Beach. What can participants expect this year? Let’s break it down by the numbers:
- 2,986 players are registered this year, competing in 12 divisions, 58 competitive flights and 3 “Just For Fun” flights.
- 2,683 men and 303 women are 2026 World Am participants.
- 747 players (25 percent of the total field) are first-time participants.
- 55 golf courses will be played throughout the week.
- 30 courses will be in use each day of the tournament.
- 48 states are represented this year, along with 19 foreign countries including Canada, Italy, Brazil, Bermuda and Great Britain.
- 5 players in this year’s field – Gerald States, Paul Ciancanelli, Don Yelton, Dean Tedder, and Ray Zajicek – have played all 43 years.
- 37 exhibitors will be on display throughout World Am Week for the “World’s Largest 19th Hole” including Hyperice, Style Driver, Golf Shoes of America, The Salty Golfer, and many more.
- The top 5 states represented in this year’s field include Florida (350 players), South Carolina (350), North Carolina (338), Texas (199), and Virginia (197).
- 20 local restaurant vendors will be offering culinary delights at this year’s 19th Hole including Angelo’s Steak & Pasta, Big Mike’s Soul Food, Beachfront Kitchen & Bar, Village Bar & Grill, and many more.
- The average tournament index is 13.2.
Be sure to stay plugged in with PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com as we’re on hand throughout World Am Week, highlighting all the action with daily photo galleries, special features and more!
