The Williamson Golf Group: 50 Years of Tradition in Myrtle Beach
Story and Photos by Rob Spallone
Some golf trips come and go, but for the Williamson Golf Group, it’s been a 50-year tradition that has stood the test of time. Every year since 1976, this dedicated group of golfers has made its way to Myrtle Beach from Ohio, keeping alive a tradition that started with family, grew with friends, and has evolved into something truly special. What started as a simple father-and-son golf trip has grown into a longstanding tradition, bringing together friends, family, and generations of golfers to enjoy the best courses the Grand Strand has to offer.
The story begins in 1976, when John Williamson and Mike Jakubisin embarked on a golf trip with John’s father-in-law, Jim Clapp. Jim had only recently taken up the game, and with John newly married, their wives, Sandy and Carol, encouraged them to spend some quality time together on the course. That first trip planted the seed for what would become an annual pilgrimage.
As the years went by, more friends and family joined the group. At its peak, the Williamson Golf Group regularly brought 12 to 16 golfers to Myrtle Beach, including the group pioneers like Al Williamson Sr., Jim Clapp, Mike Jakubisin, Ralph Williamson, John Williamson, and Al Williamson, Jr. Each year brought new faces while honoring the commitment of those who had been there since the early days.
What started as a simple family golf trip has grown into a major event, now featuring 40 to 50 players each year from both the older and newer generations. The tournament schedule is packed with competition and fun, including: the three-Day J.W. Memorial Tournament, a 4-Man Mixed Scramble, as well as daily skill prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, and more.
With each passing year, the competition gets stronger, but the heart of the event remains the same—bringing people together through golf.
We caught up with the Williamson Golf Group for their first round at River Club, and the excitement was undeniable. Players were shaking off the travel rust, getting their swings dialed in, and soaking up the pristine conditions of River Club’s fairways and greens. The energy in the group was contagious—high-fives, friendly trash talk, and laughs filled the air as they teed off on their 50th annual trip.
Beyond the golf course, the Williamson Golf Group has also made an impact off the fairways. This year, the group raised nearly $5,000 at its welcome party, with the proceeds benefiting Community Kitchen, a local Myrtle Beach food bank. Their commitment to giving back reflects the camaraderie and generosity that have been at the heart of this group from the beginning.
Photo courtesy the Williamson GroupFor 50 years, the Williamson Group has chosen Myrtle Beach as its home away from home, and it’s easy to see why. With world-class golf courses, ideal spring and fall weather, and unmatched hospitality, the Grand Strand provides the perfect backdrop for their annual gathering. No matter how much time passes, stepping onto a Myrtle Beach course still brings the same excitement as it did in 1976.
Myrtle Beach is called “The Golf Capital of the World” for good reason. The Williamson Golf Group continues to return to Myrtle Beach because this destination has something for everyone. With so many golf courses, the group can play a different layout each year, from classic designs to modern championship tracks. Whether it’s spring or fall (or any season for that matter!), Myrtle Beach delivers great conditions for golf. The group enjoys everything this area has to offer—great restaurants, lively entertainment, and a welcoming golf community.
Fifty years is a momentous milestone, but for the Williamson Golf Group, this is just the beginning. As new generations join in, the tradition continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: great golf, great company, and a deep love for the game.
Here’s to many more years of the J.W. Memorial Golf Tournament, unforgettable rounds in Myrtle Beach, and the lasting friendships that make this group so special. See you guys on the tee box next year!
