Golfers converge on Myrtle Beach for World Am; Wheeler leads
8/26/2019 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for Myrtle Beach World Am, Grande Dunes Resort Course
Kevin Wheeler's 3-under 69 at Prestwick Golf Club included seven birdies, and was enough to set up the early gross division lead.
In the gross division – and in the lower handicap divisions – there’s a mix between grinding (read: no shortage of swing aids and alignment sticks laid down on the driving range) and nostalgic buddy trips. AmateurGolf.com’s own Kyle Rector is a first-timer this year.
“People playing in this are amped,” Rector said.
Each division has a unique four-course rotation that changes yearly. Tournament organizers work hard to shake up the experience for returners (considering that 80 percent of the field is made up of prior players). The best players don’t automatically play the best courses: Myrtle Beach gems like Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, True Blue Golf Plantation, TPC Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Resort.
Kevin Wheeler leads after a 3-under 72 that included seven birdies. Despite perfect weather and surprisingly comfortable summer temperatures, it was an admirable score.
Related: Read more on the Myrtle Beach World Amateur
Wheeler is three ahead of a group of three players at even par that includes Eric King, Eric Loggins and Rector, who entered the World Amateur off a semifinal run at the SCGA Match Play.
The next-best score, a 2-over 74, belonged to Christopher Reina. It landed him in solo fifth.
Defending gross champion Derrick Oyervides fired a 4-over 76 and is tied with PGA Tour radio personality Brian Katrek after one round.
About the Myrtle Beach World Am
Come as you are. Leave as a Legend. The World Am combines world-class tournament operations and administration along with the magic of a Myrtle Beach golf experience to create a unique, competitive event that all golf enthusiasts—regardless of age, s...
Most Popular Articles
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
Dec 5, 2025Second Stage is complete and Final Stage awaits at Sawgrass — follow every Q-School leaderboard and the players still chasing
2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Final Qualifying Stage FINAL SCORING
Dec 8, 2025Helen Briem earns medalist honors, 31 players headed to the LPGA next year
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Final Stage: Ewart Leads Five New TOUR Card Winners
Dec 14, 2025A.J. Ewart topped Final Stage at TPC Sawgrass, leading five players who secured PGA TOUR membership for 2026.
Australian Open at Royal Melbourne: Preview, amateur bios, and how to watch
Nov 30, 2025Rory McIlroy headlines one of the championship's top fields in years - at least four amateurs will have their chance at glory
Inside Gil Hanse’s Restoration of Baltusrol’s Upper Course: A Return to Tillinghast’s
Dec 11, 2025Renowned architect Gil Hanse reveals how he brought Baltusrol’s Upper Course back to life by honoring A.W. Tillinghast’s original