The TD Synnex BMW Charity Pro Am golf tournament returns June 1 - 7. Photo courtesy of BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX
If the summer heat tends to make you run for cover more often than you like, another round of the annual BMW Charity Pro Am presented by TD SYNNEX golf tournament might be just the ticket to some outdoor fun.
The Pro Am not only returns to the Upstate June 1-7 for its 26th year of celebrity golf and fan enjoyment, but is expected to bring huge crowds to benefit nine local charities.
"We are looking forward to another amazing tournament filled with spirit, excitement, and community impact,” said Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations, BMW Manufacturing and Vice President of South Carolina Charities, Inc.
The official main tournament play will be held June 4-5 at the Country Club of Spartanburg, and June 4-7 at Thornblade Club in Greenville.
Players will rotate between the two courses on June 4 and June 5 with the 12 lowest-scoring amateur teams, and four lowest-scoring celebrity teams advancing to play Saturday’s final round at Thornblade.
Among the 24 players will be 7-time MLB Cy Young Award Winning pitcher Roger Clemens; professional street skateboarder and X-Games medalist Sean Malto; former Saturday Night Live and Caddyshack actor Bill Murray; 2x NBA Champion J.R. Smith; Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.; and director of distillery operations Chris Fletcher of the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tenn.
All will be vying to replace last year’s defending champion Austin Smotherman.
And the entire week will be packed with special events, including:
• June 1 – Neighborhood Cancer Connection Ladies Charity Golf Tournament in downtown Greer.
• June 2 – Country Club of Spartanburg Tuesday, June 2nd The Social Tee Women’s Golf Clinic.
• June 3 – Thornblade Club Wednesday, South Carolina Junior Golf Association Pro-Am.
• June 4th Concert featuring 1970s disco kings KC and The Sunshine Band.
“The tournament draws an estimated 45,000 spectators each year,” said Anne Townsend Myers, strategic marketing manager with KVH Marketing & Events in Greenville. “Since 2001, the tournament has awarded more than $17 million to numerous Upstate S.C. non-profit organizations.”
This year’s nine benefactors are:
• Bobby Chapman Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship.
• Folds of Honor Palmetto State.
• Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute.
• Hispanic Alliance.
• Mobile Meals of Spartanburg.
• Neighborhood Cancer Connection.
• PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well.
• South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation.
• Upstate Warrior Solution.
In addition to golf and the worthy causes, the Pro Am has fast become a major tourism event: A 2024 economic impact study by Visit Greenville SC estimated that the tournament yielded more than $8.5 million in total impact for the region.
But regardless of your motivation, and especially if you’ve never attended, the Pro Am is almost certain to beat away the too-soon-arriving summer heat blues.
“From on-course play to off-course experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” said tournament director Michael McGovern. “It’s a celebration that extends far beyond the course.”
