ONEflight Classic: Golf, F1, and A-Listers Collide in Myrtle Beach
- $31.2 million: Total economic impact on Myrtle Beach in just two years
- 58%: Out-of-region attendees in 2025, representing 12 countries
- 31 million: Social media impressions generated during the 2025 event
Experts would likely conclude that the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is redefining luxury sports marketing by successfully merging elite golf, Formula 1, and celebrity entertainment to create a high-impact, immersive brand experience that drives both economic growth and global visibility for the host region.
ONEflight Classic: Golf, F1, and A-Listers Collide in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – April 08, 2026 – The familiar calm of the coastal Carolina fairway is set to be electrified by an unprecedented fusion of elite sport, high-octane racing, and celebrity glamour. ONEflight International has announced that its upcoming Myrtle Beach Classic will be far more than a golf tournament, evolving into a multi-day spectacle featuring a star-studded Pro-Am, a partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, and a live concert by the legendary Beach Boys.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the renowned Dunes Golf and Beach Club, the event, running from May 6-10, is poised to solidify its reputation as one of the most dynamic stops on the PGA TOUR. By weaving together disparate worlds of luxury, the private aviation company is crafting an immersive brand experience that extends well beyond the 18th hole.
A New Caliber of Entertainment
The centerpiece of the week's festivities remains the Pro-Am on Wednesday, May 6, which promises an unforgettable experience for participants and fans. This year’s roster demonstrates a significant draw, blending returning fan favorites with an impressive list of newcomers.
Hollywood icon Kurt Russell is confirmed to return, joined by actors Michael Chiklis, Michael Peña, David Arquette, Carmine Giovinazzo, and Jennie Garth. Sports fans will welcome back former MLB star Nick Swisher. This core group has become a familiar and popular part of the tournament's growing tradition.
However, it is the new participants who signal the event's expanding scope. Leading the list are key figures from the pinnacle of motorsport: Zak Brown, CEO of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, and star driver Lando Norris. Their presence is a direct result of ONEflight's new strategic partnership. They are joined by entrepreneur and Shark Tank personality Robert Herjavec, who also serves as a ONEflight ambassador, actors Peter Gallagher and Oliver Hudson, comedian Andrew Santino, NFL broadcaster Melissa Stark, and golf social media sensation Paige Spiranac.
Adding a powerful note of nostalgia and entertainment, the tournament week will feature a headline concert on the Ocean Lawn on Friday, May 8. The legendary American band The Beach Boys will perform, with special guest John Stamos joining them on stage. The show will be opened by internationally acclaimed vocalist Benedetta Caretta, promising a memorable evening for all attendees.
The Strategic Power Play: Beyond the Fairway
While the celebrity and entertainment lineup provides the glitz, the strategic engine behind the event is ONEflight International's deepening foray into experiential marketing. The company's multi-year agreement with McLaren Racing, making it the Official Private Aviation Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, is a calculated move to dominate the spotlight in the competitive luxury travel sector.
This is not a one-off event sponsorship but a comprehensive strategic alliance. The partnership extends throughout the demanding global F1 season, with ONEflight providing critical private aviation solutions for the race team. In return, the ONEflight brand will be featured prominently on McLaren's F1 cars and on the race suits of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, starting with the 2026 season. To bring this high-speed world directly to golf fans, a McLaren Formula 1 race car will be on display at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, serving as a powerful, tangible symbol of the partnership.
This strategy aligns with a broader trend in luxury marketing, where brands move beyond traditional advertising to create immersive, money-can't-buy experiences. By converging the worlds of golf, F1, and A-list entertainment, ONEflight targets the multifaceted interests of a high-net-worth clientele. It’s a tactic designed to build powerful brand equity and emotional connections that translate into long-term customer loyalty, a metric often valued more highly than immediate sales in the luxury space.
“The Pro-Am continues to be one of the most exciting and engaging aspects of tournament week,” said Ferren Rajput, CEO and Founder of ONEflight International, in a statement. “With the addition of Zak Brown and Lando Norris, the strength of our returning celebrity field, the McLaren Formula 1 race car on display, and a live performance from The Beach Boys and Benedetta Caretta, we are delivering a truly elevated, world-class experience for our guests and partners.”
Transforming a Tournament, Boosting a Region
The impact of the Myrtle Beach Classic's rapid ascent extends far beyond corporate branding. For the Grand Strand, the event has become a significant economic driver and a powerful vehicle for reinforcing its identity as “The Golf Capital of the World.”
In just two years, the tournament has infused an estimated $31.2 million into the local economy. The 2025 event alone generated $15.8 million in economic impact, drawing over 58% of its attendees from outside the immediate area and across 12 countries. This influx of visitors resulted in over 9,600 booked lodging room nights and a notable surge in business for local resorts and restaurants.
The event’s media reach has been equally impressive. The 2025 tournament garnered over 8 hours of live coverage on the Golf Channel, reaching an audience of 3.53 million viewers across 73 countries. Furthermore, social media engagement skyrocketed, with the tournament and PGA TOUR channels generating over 31 million impressions, amplifying Myrtle Beach’s profile on a global stage.
Community benefit has also been a core component of the tournament's mission. In both 2024 and 2025, the event contributed $225,000 to local charities in Horry and Georgetown counties, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the region that hosts it. With the support of over 1,300 local volunteers, the classic has become a point of civic pride.
As it continues to grow in scale and ambition, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is setting a new standard for what a PGA TOUR event can be. It is no longer just a competition for a trophy but a destination event that offers a unique combination of sport, entertainment, and innovation, leaving a lasting mark on its host community and the broader landscape of luxury marketing.
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