Phillip Graham, Charles “Charlie” Thrash are 2024 Inductees into Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame
Longtime golf car industry leader Phillip Graham and college golf management program pioneer Colonel Charles M. Thrash, USAF (Retired) were honored Wednesday as the 2024 inductees into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame at Pine Lakes Country Club.
Awarded posthumously, Phillip Graham began his career in the golf car industry in 1968 when there were only five Myrtle Beach area golf courses. He worked in the golf car industry for more than 50 years until he passed away in 2019 from lung cancer. Over the course of his long career, Phillip’s hard work and dedication were a leading force as the golf industry changed. He provided a strong support system for the golf course owners, as Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area transformed from a small beach community to “The Golf Capital of the World.”
He worked directly for E-Z-GO as the Branch Manager for more than 30 years before he purchased the business and became the regional distributor for E-Z-GO in 2003. As regional distributor, he was able to offer a more direct level of local service to all customers. Under his leadership, Graham E-Z-GO was able to gain market share and develop strong relationships with customers. Because of his character, he often did business with a handshake and a promise. Thanks to his hard work and dedication throughout his career, Graham E-Z-GO received numerous awards including Branch of the Year, Distributor of Year and became the largest US Distributor for E-Z-GO.
Phillip was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Conway, SC. He served as a deacon for most of his church life and remained a committed member until his death. He was dedicated to helping those less fortunate and growing the church family. He was never one to talk about the many contributions he made to various charities or causes, but he always tried to make the world a better place or a little easier for those who needed help.
Charles “Charlie” Thrash entered the Myrtle Beach golfing community in 1996 as the general manager of Bay Tree Golf Plantation. During the next two decades his foresight and initiatives had a lasting impact on Grand Strand golf. Under his leadership Bay Tree became recognized as “Tournament Central” – developing and hosting professional, collegiate, high school, and international junior events. These tournaments exposed thousands of young golfers to the wonders of the golfing opportunities in the Myrtle Beach area. Bay Tree’s exceptional history, and its efforts in bringing new golfers to the Grand Strand, resulted in Bay Tree Golf Plantation being selected as the first recipient of the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association Golf Course of the Year.
Charlie’s second decade in Myrtle Beach golf was spent as the director of Coastal Carolina University’s PGA Golf Management Program. Under his guidance, the program excelled, becoming the largest such program in the nation. He also played a major role in CCU acquiring its own golf course. The General James Hackler Golf Course became instrumental in supporting both the PGA Golf Management Program and CCU’s athletic and student recreational activities. In 2013 Charlie was recognized for his support of young golfers by being selected as the Father of the Year by the National Father & Son Team Classic.
Colonel Thrash served in the United States Air Force for 26 years. He is a decorated combat pilot whose awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.
