North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
The Grand Strand is preparing for a landmark anniversary as the Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am marks its 30th year playing this April.
Since its inception in the mid-90s, the event has grown from a small gathering into a premier charity powerhouse, raising nearly $10 million for South Carolina educational initiatives and junior golf.
The 2026 edition, set for Monday, April 13, at the Barefoot Resort Dye Club in North Myrtle Beach, promises a high-profile mix of new faces and returning favorites to celebrate three decades of impact on the local area.
Tournament officials confirmed last week that there will be a diverse roster of first-time participants for the event this year.
Highlighting the new additions is former New York Yankees All-Star and four-time World Series champion Bernie Williams. Williams brings a unique dual-threat talent to the weekend, in addition to his legendary baseball career, he is a Latin Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist who is scheduled to perform at the post-tournament concert at the House of Blues in Barefoot Landing.
The 30th-anniversary field also leans heavily into 90s pop culture nostalgia.
Joining regular participant Joey Fatone of NSYNC are original Backstreet Boys members A.J. McLean and Brian Littrell. The intersection of sports and entertainment continues with the addition of former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, now a motivational speaker, and Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Big Daddy Kane, who will also take the stage during the Monday night concert.
And while the celebrities typically draw the crowds, the professional golf field remains highly competitive as always.
The LPGA Tour will have a significant presence this year, led by 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Angela Stanford and assistant captain Kristy McPherson, a native of nearby Conway. They are joined by two-time major champion Brittany Lincicome and veteran Brittany Altomare.
On the men’s side, the commitment list includes PGA Tour members Luke List, Chesson Hadley and Robert Gamez, alongside PGA Tour Champions winner Tim O’Neal.
The tournament structure remains a unique draw for spectators and sponsors alike. Organizers expect to tee off with 34 teams, with each amateur foursome paying $30,000 to be paired with a professional golfer and a celebrity.
For those watching from the gallery, a limited number of general admission tickets are available for $30 plus fees. To mark the 30th playing, fans will have an extra incentive to attend, as 30 prize packs will be given away to randomly selected attendees throughout the day.
The driving force behind the festivities remains the four members of Hootie and the Blowfish, whose commitment to their home state has turned this tournament into one of the most successful celebrity pro-ams in the country.
The proceeds funnel into the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, which maintains a fully funded endowment to support children across the Palmetto State. These funds specifically target educational gaps and provide resources for the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation.
The three-day event schedule includes a welcome party on Saturday and a pairings gala on Sunday before the main event on Monday. With a 10 a.m. shotgun start and shuttles running from the Alabama Theatre parking area, the tournament is designed to be a seamless experience for the thousands of fans expected to attend.
As the band and their famous friends descend on Barefoot Resort, the 30th anniversary stands as a testament to the enduring intersection of golf, music and philanthropy in North Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand.
