The Beach – as locals and the millions of annual travelers call Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – has quickly become one of the premier sports destinations in the country. With cutting-edge facilities and a relaxed coastal charm, it has executed events from youth sports to professional competitions with ease.

In recent years, it has hosted major events like the ESPN Myrtle Beach Invitational and Myrtle Beach Bowl, World’s Strongest Man, and the PGA Tour’s ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. In its debut last year, the golf tournament far exceeded attendance expectations, drawing over 40,000 golf lovers to the Golf Capital of the World, and this year’s event reached similar heights.

The Beach’s success in sports tourism is no accident. With over 100 fields and courts, including the state-of-the-art John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, Myrtle Beach is equipped to accommodate events at all levels of competition. Beyond the venues, the collaborative efforts of Visit Myrtle Beach’s sports planning experts, venue operators and city officials ensure that every event is executed flawlessly. As Jonathan Paris, executive director of sports tourism for Visit Myrtle Beach, puts it, “We treat every event like it’s our championship.”

Coupled with 60 miles of sunny beaches, over 2,000 restaurants and more than 1,000 attractions, Myrtle Beach offers athletes and fans an unparalleled experience both on and off the field. For sports planners wanting a destination that combines exceptional facilities with endless fun after the competition ends, Myrtle Beach is at the top of the standings.