William Welch Wins 36th Annual World Am

William Welch (West Islip, N.Y.) shot a net 69 (gross 85) to win the Flight Winners’ Playoff at the 36th Annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship Friday at Barefoot Resort’s Dye Course.

Welch bested James Juden (Lancaster, Calif.) by a shot to emerge from a field of 3,215 golfers and claim the title of World Champion. Patrick Yoe (Athens, Ga.), Michael Thompson (Columbia, S.C.) and Paul Carrier (Cumming, Ga.) finished in a three-way tie for third at 1-under par on a day when only five players broke par.

[Final Leaderboard]

Christopher Reina (Frisco, Tex.)  shot a final-round 75 to secure a one-stroke victory over Kyle Rector (San Diego, Calif.) in the Gross Division.

Steve Humphrey (Ocala, Fla.) shot a 76 en route to an eight-stroke win in the Senior Gross Division.

Nigel Palmer (Birmingham, England) and David Palmer (Uncasville, Conn.) combined to win the Club Choice Ireland Pairs Competition, shooting a combined, net team score of 146. By virtue of winning, the Palmers won a six-night, five-round trip to Ireland, courtesy of Club Choice Ireland.

“Congratulations to William Welch, who played great golf all week and certainly earned the title of World Champion,” Tournament Director Scott Tomasello said. “The 36th Annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship enjoyed a spectacular week on and off the course, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

The 2020 World Am will be played Aug. 31 – Sept. 4.

Kick Off Your 2026 World Am in Style at the Ole Smoky Welcome Party

Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Company, the latest entertainment attraction at Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach, is proud to partner with the Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship in 2026 as the new host of this year’s World Am Welcome Party!

Highlights include an opening ceremony with recognition of past winners in attendance along with random drawing prizes.

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Two-for-One: The World Am Pairs Competition

So you’re already registered for the World Am — congrats, you’re officially one of the 3,000+ playing golf’s biggest amateur event in the Golf Capital of the World®! But here’s a fun little side quest you might not know about: while you’re here, you can also throw your hat in the ring for the Pairs Competition, and honestly, it might be the best $50 you spend all week.

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World Am Reaches Full Field of 3,000 Participants

Play Golf Myrtle Beach is proud to announce the 43rd annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship field is now officially full for the acclaimed 72-hole tournament to be contested Aug. 31 – Sept. 4.
The annual event has reached its maximum field of 3,000 participants, cementing its status as one of the most highly sought-after and unique experiences in golf. With registration now closed, tournament officials have opened an alternate list for people who still wish to secure a spot in the historic event.

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Come as You Are. Leave as a Legend.

Current Player Count:

3,000

To join the alternate list, click here and we will contact you when spots open up.

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