Sports tourism continues to be a driving force for both economic growth and improved quality of life for the Grand Strand.
The NCAA just announced it has selected the Myrtle Beach area for their
- 2027 Division I Men’s Golf Regionals and
- 2028 Division III Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) will serve as the host institution for both events.
The Division I Men’s Golf Regionals will take place May 17-19, 2027, at TPC Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, featuring 75 of the nation’s top collegiate golfers as they compete for a spot in the NCAA Championships. The event returns to Myrtle Beach after its successful 2019 edition, further cementing the area’s reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World.”
From May 25-27, 2028, Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach will host the Division III Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Championships, marking the second time Myrtle Beach has hosted the event. This past May, the 2024 championships generated $4 million in local economic impact and welcomed 1,200 participants and coaches, including 847 athletes.
During the announcement, Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Visit Myrtle Beach, shared his excitement.
“We’re honored by the NCAA’s decision to hold two major collegiate sporting events here and are especially grateful to our community partners like CCU, City of Myrtle Beach, Golf Tourism Solutions and the Founders Group International,” Paris said. “Following the success of the 2019 golf regionals and the 2024 track and field championships, we’re excited to continue showcasing our facilities and driving economic benefits to the region.”
Brenda Bethune, Mayor of Myrtle Beach, also expressed the city's joy.
“We are thrilled that the NCAA has chosen Myrtle Beach for these prestigious events,” said Mayor Bethune. “Hosting both the 2027 Men’s Golf Regionals and the 2028 Division III Track & Field Championships is a tremendous honor and further solidifies our city’s reputation as a premier destination for collegiate sports. We look forward to welcoming the athletes, their families and fans to Myrtle Beach, where they will not only experience top-tier competition but also enjoy all the wonderful things our community has to offer.”
In the coming months, the Grand Strand will host additional sporting events, including:
- the Myrtle Beach Invitational basketball tournament (Nov. 21-22 & 24),
- the Myrtle Beach Bowl football game (Dec. 23),
- and the ACL Collegiate Cornhole Championships (Jan. 2-5, 2025).
Collectively, these competitions are projected to generate over $5 million dollars in local impact, while also showcasing Myrtle Beach to national audiences through ESPN’s family of networks and other broadcast platforms.
