MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina – Scott Collette, a 52 year old 6-handicap from Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville, Tennessee is the winner of the 42nd edition of the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship, defeating 59 other golfers in the Flight Winners Playoff on Friday August 29 played at Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Collette defeated Doug Harvey (Zebulon, N.C.) in a three-hole playoff. Richard Marriott (Paget, Bermuda) finished third, with five golfers tying for fourth place.
Among the World Am division winners:
Sean O’Donnell (Glendale, Ariz.) finished the 72-hole event at 279 to win the Men’s Gross Division title.
Michael Batten (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) claimed victory in the Men’s Senior Gross Division.
Orlando Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) captured the Men’s Mid-Senior Gross Division championship.
Tracy Burgess (Paget, Bermuda) secured victory in the Women’s Gross Division.
Michael Batten (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) and Jerry Edwards (Louisville, Ky.) combined to win the Casa de Campo Pairs Competition. By virtue of winning, the pair received a 4-day, 3-night stay at luxurious Casa de Campo and unlimited golf.
Now in its 42nd year, the World Am hosted 2,922 golfers from around the globe to ‘The Golf Capital of the World®‘ for a week of competition, community, and connection. The winners and ties from more than 60 flights advanced to the final round. The event combines world-class tournament operations with the magic of the Myrtle Beach golf experience, creating a unique atmosphere for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
“The World Am continues to bring golfers from around the world together for a one-of-a-kind experience on The Grand Strand,” said Ryan Hart, Tournament Director, Golf Tourism Solutions. “We’re proud to host an event that continues to grow in prestige and popularity each year. Congratulations to Scott Collette and all of the golfers for a great week in Myrtle Beach.”
The 2025 World Am was contested on more than 50 award-winning courses along the Grand Strand, including Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Tidewater, Barefoot Resort, Thistle Golf Club, and more.
Players competed across Net, Gross, and Just for Fun Divisions, each golfer playing four different courses before advancing flight winners battled for the world title. Each evening, participants also enjoyed exclusive access to “The World’s Largest 19th Hole” hosted by St. André Golf & Friends at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Special guests, such as United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan and golf influencers Wesley and George Bryan, made appearances during the week.
The 2025 event featured 2,623 men and 299 women with 77 percent of participants coming from outside the Carolinas, including players from 47 states and 18 foreign countries. The oldest player was 92-years old and the youngest was 17-years old.
The dates for next year are August 31 – September 4, 2026.
2025 WORLD AM BY THE NUMBERS
* 2,922 players are registered this year, competing in 12 divisions, 60 competitive flights and 3 “Just For Fun” flights.
* 2,623 men and 299 women are 2025 World Am participants.
* 665 players (23 percent of the total field) are first-time participants.
* 56 golf courses will be played throughout the week.
* 31 courses will be in use each day of the tournament.
* 47 states are represented this year, along with 18 foreign countries including Canada, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Great Britain.
* 5 players in this year’s field – Gerald States, Paul Ciancanelli, Don Yelton, Dean Tedder and Ray Zajicek – have played all 42 years.
* 29 exhibitors will be on display throughout World Am Week for the “World’s Largest 19th Hole” including Hyperice, Human Touch, T-Mobile, The Salty Golfer, and many more.
* The top 5 states represented in this year’s field include Florida (368 players), South Carolina (358), North Carolina (304), Texas (246), and Virginia (183).
* 19 local restaurant vendors will be offering culinary delights at this year’s 19th Hole including Angelo’s Steak & Pasta, Big Mike’s Soul Food, Carolina Ale House, Fire & Smoke Prime Steakhouse, and many more.
* The average tournament index is 12.9.
FLIGHT WINNERS RESULTS
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11959452002846545005
PLAYER SEARCH
https://worldamclassic.golfnet.com/resultsFlights.aspx?id=2025
