World Amateur Championship Generates $17.1 Million in Economic Impact

41st annual event attracted 2,971 players from 49 states and 17 countries, highlighting Myrtle Beach’s status as a global golf destination

The 41st annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship, the largest golf tournament on Earth, continues to be one of the Grand Strand’s most significant events, driving economic impact and exposure for “The Golf Capital of the World.”

Based on Destinations International (DI) calculations, the worldwide standard for measuring the effect events have on communities, the World Amateur Championship generated a total economic impact of $17.1 million for the local economy, with $11.1 million in direct impact and $6 million in non-direct and induced spending.               

“The Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship continues to attract Myrtle Beach golf enthusiasts from around the world,” said Ryan Hart, the World Am’s tournament director. “The combination of world-class tournament operations and administration with the magic of a Myrtle Beach golf experience creates a unique, competitive event that all golfers, regardless of age, skill level or hometown, eagerly anticipate each year.”  

“The Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship is a highlight event for the Grand Strand and South Carolina with golfers from around the world and their families supporting our local communities through their contributions and further solidifying our reputation as The Golf Capital of the World,” said Tracy Conner, Visit Myrtle Beach Interim President and CEO.             

Among the highlights of the 2024 event were:

• The World Am field included 2,664 men and 307 women.
• 94 percent of the players and guests attending the tournament traveled from outside Brunswick, Horry, and Georgetown counties, including eight golfers from Australia.
• Players from 17 countries participated in the tournament, with the largest international contingent (39) coming from Canada. Fourteen players from Portugal competed, as did 13 Italians.
• 24 percent of the participants were visiting Myrtle Beach for the first time ever.
• The oldest player was 91 years old, and the youngest was 17.
• Upendra Modak, a Charlotte, N.C., resident, triumphed against a field of 60 flight winners to claim the mantle of World Champion. Modak was playing in the event for the ninth time.
• Over 20,000 hotel room nights were reserved, equating to 38,282 visitor days.
• More than 12,000 rounds of competitive golf were played.
• There were three holes-in-one.
• More than 2 million people read stories that included the World Am.
• During tournament week, the World Am generated 240,904 social media impressions and 166,452 organic views.
• 25 percent of tournament participants flew into Myrtle Beach International Airport.

The World’s Largest 19th Hole experience is included for all World Am participants and their guests. Each evening after the competitive round, the entire 120,000-square-foot Myrtle Beach Convention Center is transformed into a golf experience like no other. Complimentary food, drinks, interactive games, and live entertainment provide the perfect environment to make meaningful connections with new acquaintances, or new memories with old friends.

• Total attendance at the World’s Largest 19th Hole was 10,386.
• 55 exhibitors were in attendance to enhance the participant experience.
• 21 Myrtle Beach area restaurants served attendees.

The 2025 Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship will be played August 25-29.