North Carolina native edges out field of 3,000 to capture title of World Amateur Champion
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Play Golf Myrtle Beach (PGMB) – the premier content platform and definitive resource for The Golf Capital of the World® – is excited to announce that Michael Fincham from New Bern, N.C. is the official World Amateur golf champion. Fincham defeated 60 other golfers in the Flight Winners Playoff of the 2026 Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship, played Friday at Grande Dunes Resort Course in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Fincham defeated Bruce Shively (Murrells Inlet, S.C.) in a one-hole playoff as Roger Parker (Concord, N.C.) finished third.
Among the World Am division winners:
- Matt Pritchard (Saluda, Va.) finished the 72-hole event at 285 to win the Men’s Gross Division title.
- Michael Batten (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) claimed victory in the Men’s Senior Gross Division.
- Charles Wilson (Cartersville, Ga.) captured the Men’s Mid-Senior Gross Division championship.
- Jackie Sexton (Cumming, Ga.) secured victory in the Women’s Gross Division.
Dean Little and David Harris (Newport News, Va.) combined to win the Myrtle Beach Pairs Competition. By virtue of winning, the pair received a 4-night, 4-round golf trip to The Golf Capital of the World® with accommodations chosen from among Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s lodging and golf course partners.
Now in its 43rd year, the World Am welcomed nearly 3,000 golfers from around the globe to The Golf Capital of the World® for a week of competition, community and connection. The winners and ties from 58 flights advanced to Friday’s final round. The event combines world-class tournament operations with the magic of the Myrtle Beach golf experience, creating a unique atmosphere for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
“The World Am is proud to bring golfers from around the world together for a one-of-a-kind experience on The Grand Strand,” said Scott Taylor, Tournament Director, Golf Tourism Solutions. “We’re proud to host an event that continues to grow in stature and popularity each year. Congratulations to Michael Fincham and all of the golfers for a great week in Myrtle Beach.”
The 2026 World Am was contested on 55 award-winning courses along the Grand Strand, including Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Tidewater, Barefoot Resort, Heritage Club, and more. Players competed across Net, Gross, and Just for Fun Divisions, each golfer playing four different courses before advancing flight winners battled for the world title. Each evening, participants also enjoyed exclusive access to “The World’s Largest 19th Hole” hosted by St. André Golf & Friends at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The 2026 event featured 2,683 men and 302 women with 77 percent of participants coming from outside the Carolinas, including players from 48 states and 19 foreign countries. The oldest player was 93-years old and the youngest was 18-years old.
To learn more about the event, visit www.myrtlebeachworldamateur.com
About Play Golf Myrtle Beach
Play Golf Myrtle Beach is the ultimate resource for the “Golf Capital of the World™,” providing expert guidance and comprehensive travel tools for the Grand Strand’s 80+ award-winning golf courses. Spanning 60 miles of pristine Carolina coastline, the platform connects golfers with championship courses designed by industry legends, luxury oceanfront accommodations, and exclusive “Stay & Play” packages. As a hub for the golf community, Play Golf Myrtle Beach also hosts the world-renowned World Amateur Handicap Championship, The Q at Myrtle Beach, the PGA TOUR’s ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic and provides daily news, expert instruction, and course spotlights to help travelers plan the perfect golf getaway. Learn more at www.playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.
