Myrtle Beach Classic Honored with PGA TOUR’s “Best-in-Class Element” Award for “The Q at Myrtle Beach”
The PGA TOUR has recognized the Myrtle Beach Classic with the “Best-In-Class Element” award for its innovative and groundbreaking feature, “The Q at Myrtle Beach.” This accolade places the inaugural Classic among the standout events of the TOUR’s 2024 season, recognizing its exceptional creativity, audience engagement and impact on the game.
The award was one of 16 presented at the TOUR’s annual Tournament Meetings held in Orlando. Of the 41 eligible tournaments, only 10 received honors, with the Myrtle Beach Classic the sole first-year event and dual-field event to be recognized.
The Q at Myrtle Beach helped build excitement for the Myrtle Beach Classic through innovative digital storytelling that engaged a global audience and inspired events like the PGA TOUR’s Creator Classic, further enhancing golf’s accessibility and entertainment value.
“This award underscores how the Myrtle Beach Classic brings fresh energy to the landscape of professional golf,” said Darren Nelson, Myrtle Beach Classic tournament director. “The groundbreaking Q at Myrtle Beach blends the worlds of digital creators and aspiring professionals to redefine the future of the game through innovation and engagement.”
Conceptualized by Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS), the company that operates PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com, and Visit Myrtle Beach in partnership with the PGA TOUR, The Q at Myrtle Beach brought together 16 players — eight of whom were prominent digital content creators — for an 18-hole shootout held on March 4, 2024, at TPC Myrtle Beach. The unique qualifier offered an opportunity to secure a sponsor exemption to the Myrtle Beach Classic.
Interest in The Q culminated with a 90-minute recap video released on Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s YouTube channel on April 23, which drew more than 1 million views worldwide. The video captured the drama, competition and behind-the-scenes moments, and the content was further amplified by participating creators who shared it on their platforms.
South Carolina native and veteran Korn Ferry Tour pro Matt Atkins emerged victorious after a thrilling playoff with co-creator George Bryan IV, both of whom appear on the Bryan Bros Golf YouTube channel. Atkins received a large following at the Myrtle Beach Classic and finished the PGA TOUR event tied for 46th place with a score of 6-under-par 278.
“The Q at Myrtle Beach was the collaborative effort of Golf Tourism Solutions, Visit Myrtle Beach, SPORTFIVE, Big Bird, and 963 Film Group,” said GTS Director of Marketing Kyle Oland. “On behalf of the team, we are humbled to receive recognition for innovation and playing a role in contributing to the success of the Myrtle Beach Classic, while also helping share the magic of a Myrtle Beach golf experience to a global audience.”
Details on The Q at Myrtle Beach’s future in 2025 are set to be released in the coming weeks. The Myrtle Beach Classic will be held on May 8-11, 2025, at the iconic Dunes Golf and Beach Club as a dual-field tournament on the FedEx Cup regular season.
To purchase tickets and to stay updated on tournament news, visit myrtlebeachclassic.com.
