Benefiting Local Charities in 2025 Recognized by ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Ryan Fox accepted the winner’s trophy at the 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, but he wasn’t the only winner at the area’s second-year PGA TOUR event, which again showcased The Dunes Golf & Beach Club as a worthy host site. In addition, nine local charities shared $225,000, with seven of those receiving at least $26,750.
The Boys and Girls Club of Myrtle Beach received the most funding, with $50,000 for its after-school summer program. “The money makes a difference for us,” said Mark Lazarus, president of the program’s board of directors. “We don’t have a steady income stream, so we have to depend on grants. We helped about 170 kids with this money, offering programs from computer learning and basic education skills to recreation.”
Kathi Grace, director of marketing and grants for SOS Care, also noted the impact of the $26,750 her organization received. “The money gave us a chance to hire a job coach for our employment program and we’ve seen a big increase toward our goal to have 120 adults with autism or intellectual disabilities employed and living independently over the next three years,” said Grace. “We are grateful for support of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic.”
Five other local charities receiving the same amount as SOS Care were Champion Autism Network, the Children’s Recovery Center, SC Smiles Dental, Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach, and Project Golf. Help 4 Kids received $10,000, while Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina received $4,500. All of the benefitting charities have 501c3 status, meaning they are non-profit, tax-exempt groups with a dedicated mission.
“Every bit of the money goes directly to help us pay the shipping of our Hero Boxes that we fill with toiletries and personal items and send to about 200 service men and women around the world each holiday. We sent 1,070 boxes over seven holidays last year at a cost of $30,000 apiece,” noted Carol Dion, who has been president of the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers, a national volunteer group, since its inception in 2008.
Tournament Director Darren Nelson also announced that the same nine local charities will again be beneficiaries of the tournament in 2026.
“These selected charities are all doing impactful and meaningful work, and we are proud to provide assistance to further promote these programs that are making such a huge difference on the Grand Strand,” said Nelson. “The PGA TOUR has a time-honored tradition of supporting charities and giving back to each community where events are hosted.”
Tournaments under the PGA TOUR umbrella donate a portion of the net proceeds each year to support local philanthropic organizations, totaling more than $4 billion to date, which is more than all other major sports leagues combined.
The PGA TOUR’S ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic will again be played in early May in 2026, with the competition dates set for May 7-10 at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club.
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is managed by SPORTFIVE, a global event management company. The local event will again be one of two stops in the Palmetto State for the PGA TOUR in 2026, joining with the RBC Heritage in April at Harbour Town Golf Links.
