Saturday, February 17, 2024
As the PGA TOUR makes its debut in The Golf Capital of the World for the Myrtle Beach Classic, an exciting qualifying event called “The Q at Myrtle Beach” is set to take center stage. This unique tournament will feature an intense 18-hole showdown at TPC Myrtle Beach on March 4, where 16 players will compete for a coveted sponsor exemption into the TOUR event.
While “The Q at Myrtle Beach” remains closed to the public, enthusiasts can catch the action through a 90-minute video set to be released on Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s YouTube channel on April 23. Furthermore, participating creators will share their unique experiences through content posted on their respective channels, providing insights into this groundbreaking event.
Presented by Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS) and Visit Myrtle Beach, “The Q at Myrtle Beach” unites a varied group of 16 contenders, with several boasting close connections to South Carolina. Of particular note are the eight renowned figures in golf and content creation among the participants. Every contender, regardless of professional status, must adhere to the stringent PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations for sponsor exemptions, necessitating a USGA handicap of 0.0 or superior. Furthermore, all competitors retain eligibility for PGA TOUR events should they meet the qualifications.
“Fueled by our love of golf and belief in the magic of a Myrtle Beach golf experience, GTS is thrilled to host ‘The Q at Myrtle Beach’ and welcome the players to The Golf Capital of the World,” said Ryan Cannon, executive director of GTS.
Since 1990, a total of 12 PGA TOUR players have secured victories through sponsor exemptions. Most recently, Nick Dunlap, a sophomore from the University of Alabama, clinched the 2024 American Express title via a sponsor exemption before transitioning to professional status and accepting TOUR membership.
Outlined below is the roster of 16 players participating in the event, listed alphabetically:
– Matt Atkins: A USC Aiken graduate who garnered a victory at the 2017 Mexico Championship during his six seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour. He made 25 starts on the PGA TOUR, with his best finish being T38 at The RSM Classic in November 2023.
-George Bryan, hailing as a three-time All-American from the University of South Carolina, showcased his talent by making the cut in his lone PGA TOUR appearance at the 2023 Bermuda Championship. With a substantial online following exceeding 410,000 across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Bryan has garnered significant attention.
-Jay Card III, an alumnus of High Point University, has displayed his prowess in golf with three top-10 finishes in 39 Korn Ferry Tour starts. Notably, he secured a commendable T7 placement at the 2023 Wichita Open.
-Morgan Deneen, recognized for his standout performances during his time at Coastal Carolina University where he clinched the 2018 Sun Belt Championship, has transitioned into the role of assistant pro at the esteemed Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Despite his professional commitments, Deneen has managed three starts on the PGA TOUR, with his most recent appearance being at the 2023 Fortinet Championship.
– Peter Finch: A UK native, Finch has over 1.25 million subscribers and followers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
– Grant Horvat: A Palm Beach Atlantic University alum, Horvat’s online following exceeds 1.35 million subscribers and followers.
– Luke Kwon: A University of Oklahoma grad and Good Good Golf member, Kwon has over 50 starts across PGA TOUR-sanctioned tours, with a PGA TOUR China victory and nearly 400,000 followers on social media.
– Micah Morris: From Texas, Morris had a lone PGA TOUR Canada start in 2023 and over 1 million subscribers and followers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
– Turk Pettit: The 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Individual Champion and former Clemson standout.
– Dan Rapaport: A ForePlay and Barstool Sports member, Rapaport is a notable golf media figure with over 250,000 subscribers and followers.
– Scott Stevens: A University of South Carolina grad, Stevens clinched one PGA TOUR Canada victory and three top-10s in 2022, along with 21 Korn Ferry Tour starts in 2023.
– Nick Stubbe (Fat Perez): Known as Fat Perez in the Bob Does Sports group, Stubbe boasts over 1 million followers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
– Tyler Watts: A high school sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama, Watts won the Jones Cup Junior Invitational in December 2023.
– Jamie Wilson: A former All-SEC golfer from the University of South Carolina with two Korn Ferry Tour starts.
– Mason Nut or Cole Lantz of BustaJack: This duo will compete for a spot in The Q at Myrtle Beach, with over 350,000 combined followers on social media.
– The final spot will be filled by a Myrtle Beach-area PGA professional, determined via a local qualifier on February 19.
Scheduled for May 6-12, 2024, at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, the Myrtle Beach Classic features a $3.9 million purse and awards 300 FedExCup points to the champion. TPC Myrtle Beach, designed by Tom Fazio and Lanny Wadkins, is renowned as one of America’s top 100 public courses and a premier event venue, hosting events like the PGA TOUR Champions’ 2000 Charles Schwab Cup Championship and the NCAA Division I Myrtle Beach Regional tournament in 2019
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
