BOSTON, Mass – Ask an avid golfer what destination is known as the “Golf Capital of the World” and the answer is easy: Myrtle Beach. With over 90 golf courses of all sizes and shapes spread out on what is called the “Grand Strand” golfers delight in visiting the city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast.
Now in its 40th year, the Myrtle Beach World Amateur is held the last week in August for the enjoyment of amateur golfers of all skill levels and handicaps. Golf’s premier, recreational amateur tournament celebrated a milestone anniversary Aug. 28- Sept. 1, and 3,260 players from all 50 states and 17 countries descended on Myrtle Beach for an event that is equal parts competition and camaraderie.
Dedham resident Tom Gorman was among 51 Massachusetts golfers competing, which has been called the “Every Man’s Major,” which allows regular golfers, who are flighted by age, gender and handicap, the rare opportunity to compete over 72 holes with flight winners advancing to the World Championship Playoff at the Grande Dunes Resort Course. The average handicap for players is 11.8 and 50 of Myrtle Beach’s best courses were used.
Gorman competed in Flight No. 29 consisting of 48 mid-senior men aged 60-69 with 9 handicaps and his trip created memories to last a lifetime. He played well and won his flight to earn the right to play in the finals against 64 other flight winners for the ultimate amateur title – World Amateur Champion.
Despite heat indexes in the 90s the first two rounds and a third round deluged with rain from the remnants of Hurricane Idalia, Gorman posted scores of 75 (net 68), 79 (net 71) and 83 (net 76). The final round was cancelled due to Hurricane Idalia downsizing to a tropical storm that dumped 4-5 inches of rain in Myrtle Beach.
Gorman fared well in the Championship finals posting nines of 40-39-79, for a net score of 73, 1-over par. The winning score was shot by Christopher Rainey (Drums, PA) with 99, net score 68, 4-under par. In the World Am finals Gorman finished T-14 calling the experience the best golfing week of his life.
“This event is the best run amateur golf tournament in the world,” said Gorman, who competed for his 10th time with previous best finish 3rd in 2020. “You’re competing against players your own age and skill level with many off-course things in common. It’s not just about the competition, since the camaraderie and friendliness from everyone involved is uplifting. The people you meet throughout the week make it special and mostly everyone returns because it’s so unique for amateur golfers and so much fun.”
The World Am flights players into 11 divisions – men 49 and under, senior men (50-59), mid-senior men (60-69), super senior men (70-79), seasoned seniors (80+), women (59 and under), senior women (60+), the gross division, senior (50+) gross division, mid-senior (60+) gross division and women’s gross division. There is also a “Just for Fun” flight, created for players who want to enjoy the World Am experience without the pressure of competition.
“Golf can be unpredictable but this year I played better than my usual game,” added Gorman who plans to return next year when the tournament is scheduled August 26-31. “It was fun to test my game and get the competitive juices flowing, and I didn’t try to hit any shots I didn’t practice first. Also, it may have helped that I practiced alot at McGolf Driving Range and played some events with Amateur Golf Tour of New England. A T-14 from over 3,200 golfers is definitely the highlight of my golf career, and that’s a lot of years.”
https://myrtlebeachworldamateur.com/
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