The Myrtle Beach World Amateur Tournament – a.k.a. the “World Am” - is a unique tournament experience where, for the past 39 years, over 3,000 golfers of all ages and handicaps have competed on over 50 of the best golf courses that the Myrtle Beach “Grand Strand” region has to offer. As the World Am website states, “The world’s largest golf tournament is also the most inclusive. From scratch golfers, to 36 handicaps, to golfers who just want to play for fun! The event features all playing abilities and is one of the biggest women’s tournaments with 400+ participants!”
The dates for the 40th annual World Am are August 28-September 1, 2023, with optional warmup rounds taking place at various courses on Sunday, August 27th. Wouldn’t it be great to have a strong showing of SagutoGolfers at this year’s World Am; meeting up, forging new friendships, and just enjoying an overall great time at this fabulous event held in a beautiful beach resort town setting?? I encourage everyone to continue reading for more details and then give earnest consideration to registering and participating. (FYI, Myrtle Beach International Airport is well-served by the major domestic airlines and several discount carriers as well.)
For the Handicap Division the format is 72 holes of net, stroke play. Participants are flighted, first according to gender, then age, then according to handicap index. This means you will compete against other golfers of the same gender and in your same age range and capabilities. This page on the World Am website provides more details on the Handicap Divisions.
Here's what the website has to say for those who wish to play it “straight up” in the Gross Division: “Think you’ve got what it takes? Gross division options at the World Amateur include Men’s, Senior Men (50+), Mid Senior (60+) and Women’s Divisions! Compete in a PGA TOUR style event in which all participants play from the same championship tee boxes without a handicap.” You’ll find more detail on the Gross Division here.
Finally, the ”Just for Fun Division” is all about that! It is perfect for friends and mixed couples who wish to play together, as well as beginners and juniors. It is best explained by these answers to some frequently asked questions from this page of the website:
Can I be paired with my friends? Yes! This is the only division you can do so! You may request up to 3 fellow players during your RSVP submission in mid-August.
Is there a minimum age / gender requirement? None whatsoever!
What tees can I expect to play from? Wherever you want!!!
Are there prizes? Yes! Just like any other flight we will award the top 5 for every ~48 players. However, because we don’t keep score, prizes are dished out randomly!
In addition to the golf experience, the “World’s Largest 19th Hole” provides a venue where free food, beverages, and entertainment are enjoyed by all participating golfers and their guests.
***And yes – barring any unforeseen schedule changes I do expect to make an appearance at the 19th Hole and hope to have an opportunity to meet all SagutoGolfers in attendance!***
A big shout out goes to @burkholder.ronald for sharing his experiences from last year’s World Am and also for initiating the conversation for this year’s event. I’m also including a flyer for this year’s World Am, with a thanks to @Steven for obtaining a copy of it from the tournament organizers. (By the way – and as Steven is doing – you are free to print copies and/or digitally share this flyer within your own circle of golf influence. The more the merrier!)
I look forward to seeing many of you here in the Myrtle Beach area this August!!
Tom
Be nice to get a big turn out for a Alumni picture!