Date: May 8–11, 2025
Venue: Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, SC
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,425 yards
Purse: $4 million
Defending Champion: Chris Gotterup
Tournament Overview
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic returns for its second edition, running alongside the Truist Championship as an opposite-field event. This tournament provides a valuable opportunity for rising PGA Tour players and Korn Ferry Tour graduates to earn FedExCup points and establish themselves on the main tour.
The 132-player field will compete over four rounds, with a 36-hole cut to the top 65 players and ties. The winner will receive 300 FedExCup points and a $720,000 first-place prize.
Course Breakdown – Dunes Golf and Beach Club
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is one of the most scenic and challenging courses on the PGA Tour. Key features include:
- Signature Hole: The par-5 13th hole (“Waterloo”), featuring a dogleg around Lake Singleton.
- Fast Bermuda greens, requiring precise putting.
- Strategic bunkering, demanding accuracy off the tee.
- Coastal winds, which can impact shot selection and ball flight.
Players will need strong iron play and short-game skills to navigate the undulating greens and tight fairways.
Key Players to Watch
Chris Gotterup (Defending Champion, USA)
- Won the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic by six strokes, setting a tournament record at 22-under-par.
- Led the field with 28 birdies, showcasing his aggressive style.
- Has three top-20 finishes in his last four PGA Tour starts.
Mackenzie Hughes (20-1 Favorite, Canada)
- Two-time PGA Tour winner, looking to bounce back after two missed cuts in his last five events.
- Ranks outside the top 100 in strokes gained off the tee and approach play.
Tom Kim (25-1, South Korea)
- Finished T7 at Pebble Beach, proving he can compete in tough conditions.
- Struggled with consistency but remains a strong contender.
Sami Välimäki (40-1 Sleeper Pick, Finland)
- Ranks 14th in strokes gained approach, making him a strong value pick.
- Finished T4 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, showing he can compete against elite fields.
Tournament Predictions & Betting Odds
- Gotterup (+2200) is a strong contender, given his dominance last year.
- Hughes (+2000) is the betting favorite, but his recent form raises questions.
- Välimäki (+4000) is a sleeper pick, with his elite iron play and putting.
How to Watch
- TV Coverage: Golf Channel (Thursday-Sunday).
- Streaming: ESPN+, PGA Tour Live.
