reinforces the strong community spirit that defines the Grand Strand,’’ said Karen Riordan, president and chief executive officer of Visit Myrtle Beach. She called the inaugural playing of the event “a standout success.’’ Tournament director Darren Nelson praised the support of the 1,300 volunteers that assured the Myrtle Beach Classic was successful. “With the continued dedication and support from the Myrtle Beach community the event is poised to continue to grow and evolve, further spotlighting the Grand Strand as a premier destination for golf and recreation.” The tourney reported that over 40,000 spectators attended the pro-am. The 15,281 ticketholders for Saturday’s third round was 5,000 more than expected, plus the tournament was broadcast by the Golf Channel. Chris Gotterup, a 24-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner, won by six strokes on a course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, in 1948. During the week, Thorbjorn Oleson added a little excitement by firing a 10-under par 61, a new course record. Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune host and a North Myrtle Beach resident, played in the pro-am and said what many were thinking about the only new tournament on the PGA Tour in 2024.
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