The Wednesday Pro-Am at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic delivered exactly what you’d expect from a marquee kickoff event: big personalities, genuine energy and a steady reminder that Myrtle Beach isn’t just hosting a tournament, it’s capturing positive attention from across the globe.
At the center of it all was hometown icon Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune, whose connection to the area set the tone for the day. “I'm honored that they ask me to be an ambassador because I was born and raised here. And this is home to me, and it just is so special to be part of this.”
Vanna spoke to reporters following her round and shared how she watched the destination evolve firsthand. “Even though I come back and see all the growth, there are still places here that were here when I was a kid. So, it is still home to me, but much more big and much more beautiful.”
That blend of nostalgia and growth is exactly what many of the visiting celebrities picked up on, each bringing their own lens to the experience. While Vanna is the event's ambassador and often supports activities happening in the Grand Strand, celebrities who are ambassadors for the golf tournament's co-title sponsor ONEflight International also participated in the Pro-Am
Robert Herjavec, entrepreneur and investor best known for Shark Tank, didn’t just notice the scenery, he keyed in on the motivating mindset of the community. “This is a beautiful area to live," Herjavec said. "I mean, look at the sunshine today; it's incredible. And I think the thing about this area is all the people I've met are very aspirational. I think this area rewards entrepreneurship, and you see a lot of people doing well, and it's very motivating.”
Baseball All-Star Nick Swisher brought his signature energy and enthusiasm to Wednesday's Pro-Am, clearly embracing both the event and the destination. “It's an absolute blast for all of us, and we love being here,” he said. "The way that each and every person is treated here, everybody is so damn nice here. Everybody's been so hospitable. I just think in general Myrtle Beach, you know last time I was here was 1999 spring break y'all, You know, so the fact that I'm able to come back and experience all this on a totally different level, this place is amazing and like I said, I can't wait to help grow this thing in any way I can because we got to keep this thing around.”
Sports broadcaster Melissa Stark offered a different perspective. She's a first-time visitor, experiencing Myrtle Beach with her daughter. “This is my first time in Myrtle Beach," Stark said. "I'm having the best time. I brought my daughter; we're having the best time and it's gorgeous. I mean, I'm looking at the beach over there and what an amazing town! Really adorable, and I can't wait to kind of check it out a little bit later this afternoon.”
Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing Zak Brown and McLaren Formula One Driver Lando Norris also attended. Both experts of auto racing, they also enjoyed slowing it down on the Dunes Club course for their first trip to Myrtle Beach. "Weather's great and the course is amazing," Brown said. "I was looking for some alligators, couldn't find any unfortunately this time around, but uh I've been assured there's plenty of them here.”
The Wednesday Pro-Am wasn’t just a prelude to tournament play, it was a showcase of hospitality and the beloved attributes of the Grand Strand.
