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If you’re reading this, you probably know that Myrtle Beach is one of the world’s (not just the nation’s) foremost golf destinations. With some 100 golf courses along the spectacular Grand Strand, there is something for every golfer, regardless of age, ability or budget.
So is it any wonder that there are a number of tremendously accomplished professional golfers with strong connections to the area?
That’s right. One of them is even a major champion. Here are two great Myrtle Beach-area golfers to root for:
Dustin Johnson
The man they call “DJ” has long been known not just to the Myrtle Beach area’s golf cognoscenti, but to the greater golf world as well. An alumnus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, just up the road from Myrtle Beach, Johnson has racked up 11 PGA Tour victories and has found the winner’s circle at least once every year since (and including) his rookie season of 2008.
This year has seen Johnson notch two more victories, including the crowning achievement of his career to date: winning the 2016 U.S. Open to claim his first major championship title. Despite a controversial penalty incurred during the final round at Oakmont Country Club, Johnson won by a decisive three strokes over Jim Furyk, Shane Lowry and Scott Piercy (who, incidentally, would finish runner-up to Johnson in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks later). After a number of near-misses in majors, Johnson finally realized his potential as one of golf’s most talented players. Fans throughout the Grand Strand and beyond are expecting more major championships for the new No. 2-ranked golfer in the world.
Kristy McPherson
Kristy McPherson may not be as much of a household name in golf (yet) as Dustin Johnson, but she is nonetheless well worth rooting for. She did not attend Coastal Carolina University — she played her college golf at the University of South Carolina — but she grew up in Conway and is a favorite daughter of the Myrtle Beach area. An LPGA Tour regular since 2007, she has racked up more than $2 million in winnings in her career.
Please join us in rooting on both of these wonderful golfers in their respective professional careers!