Golf growth in South Carolina still ‘crazy good’

To illustrate the magnitude of golf’s impact in South Carolina in recent years:

• Check the 2025 economic impact report prepared by the state’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism ($3.6 billlion annually);

• Look at the number of players who have secured handicaps (92,000-plus);

• Consider the newly opened or currently under construction golf properties;

• Or, simply, try to secure a prime tee time on almost any course.

“Green grass facilities, simulators, Top Golf, all of it,” Biff Lathrop said. “It’s crazy good right now.”

Lathrop, executive director of the South Carolina Golf Association, has another way to gauge the state of the game in the state: the size of his staff. To meet the demand of staging tournaments, handling administration and providing member services, he has added five members in the past year, three recently, to bring the number to 15.

“We might need name tags around the office if this keeps up,” he joked.

The golf boom received its jumpstart with the COVID outbreak. A non-contact, outdoor sport provided a perfect recreational outlet during the pandemic, and people discovered — or re-discovered — the game.

“(The SCGA) had about 58,000 players with handicaps in South Carolina in 2019 and we had more than 92,000 on Nov. 1 this year,” Lathrop said. “That’s amazing growth, and there’s no sign of slowing down.

“Go to the country clubs and a lot of them have full memberships with long waiting lists. Public courses, the resorts ... they’re full.”

Add the junior programs. Many once operated only in the summer; now, the operation is close to year-around. And the best thing, Lathrop said, opportunities cater to everyone from beginner to the highly skilled players.

An example: The SCJGA’s annual Cheraw Fall Challenge grew to the point that officials kept the boys’ competition at Cheraw State Park and moved the girls play at Cobb’s Glen Country Club in Anderson.

“We had 56 girls (competing),” Lathrop said. “Compared to the past, that’s an incredible number.”

To maintain that momentum, soon-to-be-announced upgrades will bolster the already-strong junior programs. “That important,” Lathrop said. “Junior golf is the big one.”

More participants, more demands for playing opportunities, stronger fields, the economic impact ... what’s not to like?

“With so many players wanting tee times, some clubs hesitate to give up their courses for multi-day events, and that makes getting sites for tournaments more challenging,” Lathrop said. “But that’s a good problem to have. That really shows golf’s in a good place in South Carolina.”

Chip shots. Nate Gahman (Albany, Georgia) edged Miles Eubanks (Aiken/College of Charleston) by one stroke to win the 50th edition of the Palmetto Amateur at Aiken’s Palmetto GC. Charles Cauthen (Columbia/Kentucky) placed third and Sam Jackson (West Columbia) took fourth. Gahman is a two-time Georgia Mid-Amateur champion who won this year’s Georgia Open against a field that included pros. ... Bradford Wright (Chesnee) and Matthew Wiggins (Laurens) won the SCGA’s Forty Plus Series even at Savannah Lakes Village’s Monticello GC, edging the Spartanburg team of Andrew Hewitt and Tyler Macolly in a scorecard playoff. ... Marissa Scaletta (Belton) triumphed in the SCJGA Jackie Seawell Girls’ Fall Challenge at Cobb’s Glen CC in Anderson. ... Multiple ticket options are available for the RBC Heritage, the PGA Tour tourney set for April 16-19 on Hilton Head Island. Go online to www.rbcheritage.com for details.

This story was originally published November 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM with the headline "Golf growth in South Carolina still ‘crazy good’."