MYRTLE BEACH, SC — The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic returns to the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for its second edition from May 8-11, 2025, cementing the Grand Strand’s status as the “Golf Capital of the World.” This opposite-field PGA Tour event, running alongside the Signature Event Truist Championship, features 132 players vying for a $4 million purse, 300 FedExCup points, a two-year Tour exemption, and a coveted spot in the following week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
After a blockbuster debut in 2024 that drew over 40,000 fans, the tournament promises thrilling golf, star-studded Pro-Ams, and a festive atmosphere with concerts and fan-friendly activities. Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s action.
PGA Tour: At-a-Glance
Name: ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Title Sponsor: ONEflight
Tour Debut: 2024
Debut Name: Myrtle Beach Classic
Dates: May 8-11, 2025
Where: Myrtle Beach, SC
Course: Dunes Golf and Beach Club
Distance: Par 71, 7347 yards
Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1948)
Reno: Rees Jones (2023)
Format: 72-holes, Stroke play
Field: 132 Players (36-hole cut)
Purse: $4,000,000
Winning Share: $720,000
FedExCup: 300
Defending Champion: Chris Gotterup
The Course: Dunes Golf and Beach Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1948 and renovated by Rees Jones in 2023, the par-71, 7,347-yard Dunes Golf and Beach Club blends classic coastal charm with modern challenges. Narrow fairways (20-25 yards at 300 yards), 72 bunkers, and six water hazards demand precision, while Champion UltraDwarf Bermudagrass greens averaging 6,000 square feet test putting prowess. The par-4 8th (normally a par-5) and the iconic par-5 13th, “Waterloo,” with its dogleg around an alligator-filled lake, are standout holes. Expect taller rough (up to 3 inches) this year, but ideal Thursday conditions (77°F, no wind) could yield low scores before potential Friday thunderstorms and weekend winds (20 mph) tighten the leaderboard.
The Field: Talent and Opportunity
With top PGA Tour stars teeing it up at the Truist Championship, the Myrtle Beach Classic showcases a mix of proven winners, Korn Ferry Tour graduates, and rising talents hungry for a breakthrough. Defending champion Chris Gotterup headlines after his six-shot romp in 2024 (22-under 262). Gotterup, who struggled early in 2025 with seven missed cuts in nine starts, has rallied with three straight top-20s, including a T12 at the Zurich Classic. Veterans like Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Kisner, and Bill Haas bring experience, while South Carolina native Lucas Glover was a late withdrawal, leaving local hopes to others.
International Presidents Cup 2024 teammates Mackenzie Hughes (+2000) — whose putting could shine on these greens, and Tom Kim (+2500 odds), a fan favorite with strong ball-striking, are the top betting favorites.
Sami Valimaki (+3500) and Ricky Castillo (+4500) are sleeper picks, with Valimaki’s power and Castillo’s recent form. Sponsor exemptions add intrigue, including Korn Ferry winner Evan Harmeling, alongside PGA Tour debutants Dillon Board and Michael Feuerstein, each with odds of +250000. Teenage sensation Blades Brown (+9000), who finished T26 in his 2024 Tour debut here, could steal the spotlight again.
Key Storylines
- Gotterup’s Defense: Can Gotterup, who went birdie-eagle-birdie to bury the field last year, repeat despite a rollercoaster 2025? His recent form suggests he’s ready to contend.
- PGA Championship Berth: The winner earns a PGA Championship spot (if not already exempt), adding pressure for players like Alistair Docherty (T2 in 2024) and Joel Dahmen, who’s chasing redemption after a late collapse at Corales Puntacana.
- Celebrity Pro-Am: Wednesday’s Pro-Am, boosted by new co-title sponsor ONEflight International, features A-listers like Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Vanna White, and Rob Riggle, elevating the event’s profile.
- Aon Swing 5: As the first of two events determining Aon Swing 5 qualifiers for the Memorial Tournament, every shot counts for players eyeing a Signature Event slot.
Off-Course Excitement
The Myrtle Beach Classic is more than golf. Thursday’s post-round concert features Chairmen of the Board, while Saturday night brings Tyler Hubbard (formerly of Florida Georgia Line) to the Fan Zone, both free with tournament tickets. Friday’s Shag dance competition and Saturday’s Family Day with kids’ activities and food trucks enhance the vibe. Mother’s Day on Sunday includes Blue Star Mothers distributing flowers. Hospitality options like Club 17 ($325) and Club 18 ($350) offer premium views and dining, while military and first responders get free practice-round tickets and discounts. Grounds passes start at $50, with kids 15 and under free with a ticketed adult.
How to Watch
All four rounds air on Golf Channel, with Saturday and Sunday coverage from 3-5 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream on the NBC Sports App and follow live scoring on PGATOUR.com or the PGA Tour app.
Prediction
The Dunes’ tight fairways and small greens favor accurate ball-strikers with solid short games. Mackenzie Hughes, with top-tier putting and a knack for mid-tier events, is primed to capitalize. Look for Tom Kim and Blades Brown to make noise, but Hughes’ experience could edge out Gotterup’s title defense. Expect a winning score around 18-under, weather permitting.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic blends world-class golf with Myrtle Beach’s coastal allure and vibrant entertainment. With a field full of hungry players, a historic course, and off-course festivities, it’s a must-watch stop on the PGA Tour.
