COVID-19 – An update to our participants

Dear Friends of the World Am,

Thank you for your patience as we determine the best possible tournament environment we can provide you, our event participants. Whether you’re registered or planning to register, we want to update you on what we’re doing to help ensure your well-being at this year’s event.

We believe this tournament will serve as a safe haven for you to enjoy what Myrtle Beach is most known for: golf. Please take a moment to review the current changes we’ve made to date for this year’s event:

Changes related to golf:

• All participants will have their own cart for each tournament round.
  • Single carts cannot be guaranteed for non-tournament practice rounds.
• There will be no more than 72 golfers at each course (approx. 36 players per flight*).
  • *Flights may have players with the same handicap in a neighboring flight.
  • The same total prize pool per flight remains!
• A tee time window in threesomes will be instituted.
  • Courses with 1^st & 10^th tee starting ability will have an 8 – 9:39a.m. window.
  • Courses with 1^st tee only starting ability will have a 7:30 – 10:57a.m. window.
    • There are only 3 host courses with single tee format.
• Range balls will be provided on a complimentary basis, and placed on respective ranges to eliminate touch points.
• Update (Aug 11, 2020) on local rules – Flags must remain in at all times. Violation(s) is grounds for code of conduct penalties / disqualification.  A ball is defined as holed when at rest with any portion of the ball below the green surface. 
• Update (Aug 11, 2020) on local rules – Players are permitted complimentary relief from abnormal ground conditions in bunkers (IE: footprint). 
• No spectators or rental carts will be allowed at any course.
• During the tournament week, each golf course will follow all federal guidelines as determined by the CDC by that time.
  • • In addition, courses reserve the option to institute additional policies including the touching of pins, bunker rakes, etc. Please respect these policies at all times.
• For all pre and post-tournament skins games:
  • These will be capped at 72 participants and switched to tee times (in foursomes), see here for updated details.
    • The Barefoot Norman game has been moved to Barefoot Love.
    • With some events currently above capacity, tournament staff will refund the most recent participant registrations and notify them immediately.

Other changes:

• See this message from May 14, 2020 about this years’ removal of all 19^th Hole activities typically conducted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
• World Am Headquarters – including prize pickup, will call, rules & handicap questions will be held in the “C” hall of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from 6-9 p.m. nightly Monday-Thursday.
  • Only visit “HQ” if picking up a tangible item, emergencies, or rules questions which cannot be answered by phone. Parking is complimentary. Participants will be turned away without a valid reason for entry. Masks are required upon entry.
• Check-in has been expanded to both local PGA TOUR Superstores on Saturday & Sunday, August 29^th/30^th from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• A hand sanitizer bottle will be provided to all participants. Players are furthermore encouraged to bring their own PPE products.
  • Be familiar with all policies, including those of the State of North Carolina, Horry, Georgetown Counties requiring masks be worn inside certain businesses.
  • Players not abiding by local ordinances may be removed from the tournament without refund.
• Complimentary breakfast snacks / displays will be removed from all facilities.
• Players will be asked to sign a COVID-19 waiver prior to arrival confirming your health status and acknowledgement of our policies. This will be sent on August 15^th along with your handicap request.

For those not already registered the $495 entry fee will be maintained through the end of registration (August 4th). 

Aside from the obvious safety benefits these changes will also yield some indirect benefits. Pace of play should dramatically improve. In addition, your odds of winning a prize just improved, thanks to our partners in the PGA TOUR Superstore.

Additional FAQ:

• Will there still be a ride share program?
  • No – the carpool program will be discontinued until further notice.
• Can I ride with my friend who will be in the same flight to save carts?
  • No – however, you may look into the ‘Just For Fun’ division. Even in that division, you will not be given a shared cart unless you live in the same household.
• What other measures are coming?
  • Event changes may still be made, but this message is meant to give you a thorough understanding of the “big picture”. Furthermore, any previously announced changes will not be retracted for any reason.
• Will you offer discounts to area restaurants / attractions?
  • Yes. Monster Coupon will be providing each participant with a Monster Coupon Book! 
• What is the cancellation policy?
  • Please see our FAQ page. It is listed at the bottom.
• What if my state requires I self-quarantine if I visit South Carolina?
  • We ask all players familiarize themselves with their respective home state guidelines prior to arriving in the Myrtle Beach area and to make their own informed decision on attendance.
  • If you’d like to be tested prior to departure, please visit SCDHEC.GOV for more information (permanent testing locations / mobile testing sites). Most locations require appointments.
• I’m supposed to ride with a friend to/from the course, can our tee times be nearby?
  • It should be assumed that this accommodation will not be possible. Keep in mind that most tee times will be no more than 1 hour and 39 minutes apart.
• Will there be a welcome party?
  • The Welcome Party will not be a part of this years schedule.
• May I walk or take a push cart instead of ride?
  • Walking will be permitted at the discretion of each host course. Push carts must be brought by the participant. Riding is encouraged since your own cart is offered. Heat, rain and length between holes should be kept in mind.

Also, with the removal of 19^th Hole activities for this year’s event, we ask that you responsibly enjoy all other aspects of the Grand Strand while practicing social distancing during your time off the course.

We want to thank the nearly 2,500 participants who have registered for this year’s event. We remain committed to providing you with a safe and healthy environment to compete and invite you to contact us should you have any questions along the way.

Best,

Scott Tomasello
Tournament Director
The World Am
1-800-833-8798