Contact Us
Students from Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Golf & Sports Turf Management program
assist with course preparations at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club ahead of the 2026 ONEflight
Myrtle Beach Classic.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is once again playing a critical role in preparing for one of the region’s premier sporting events, as students from the College’s Golf & Sports Turf Management program contribute to course preparations for the 2026 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, scheduled for May 7–10 at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club.
Now in its third year, the PGA TOUR event brings 120 professional golfers from around the world to the Grand Strand, showcasing elite competition alongside Pro-Am events, celebrity appearances, and four rounds of championship play. Behind the scenes, HGTC students are gaining invaluable, hands-on experience that directly connects classroom learning with real-world application.
“This is exactly what workforce education should look like,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “Our students are not just learning about turf management in a classroom. They are applying their skills at the highest level, contributing to a nationally recognized PGA TOUR event and building a foundation for successful careers.”
In the weeks leading up to tournament play, HGTC students work alongside industry professionals at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, assisting with course conditioning, turf maintenance, and daily agronomy operations required to meet PGA TOUR standards.
This immersive experience allows students to refine technical skills, understand tournament-level expectations, and engage directly with leaders in the field.
“This partnership provides our students with an unmatched opportunity to experience the intensity and precision required to prepare a championship-level course,” said Charles Granger, department chair and professor of golf and sports turf management at HGTC. “They are part of the team ensuring the course is in peak condition, and that level of responsibility is incredibly impactful for their growth and confidence.”
Students collaborate closely with golf course leadership, including superintendent Josh Taylor, an HGTC graduate, further reinforcing the program’s strong industry connections and career pathways.
“Having HGTC students involved is incredibly meaningful,” Taylor said. “I was once in their shoes, and I know how valuable this experience is. They bring enthusiasm and a strong work ethic, and they leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to perform at this level.”
Beyond agronomy and turf management, the tournament also exposes students to broader aspects of golf operations and event execution, expanding their professional perspective and strengthening their readiness for careers in the golf and sports turf industry.
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic continues to elevate the Grand Strand’s reputation as a premier golf destination, while also highlighting the region’s investment in workforce development. HGTC’s involvement ensures that local talent remains an integral part of that success.
“This experience goes far beyond the tournament,” Fore said. “It represents the power of partnership, the importance of hands-on learning, and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that support and strengthen our regional economy.”