PGA TOUR Ends Oneflight Sponsorship as Myrtle Beach Classic Keeps $4 Million Purse

The PGA TOUR ended Oneflight International's role as co-title sponsor of the Myrtle Beach Classic, the tour confirmed on October 16, 2026, after the private jet charter company paused flight operations. Visit Myrtle Beach continues as sole title sponsor, and the purse stays at approximately $4 million, according to Yahoo.

PGA TOUR Cuts Oneflight From Myrtle Beach

Oneflight, based in Denver, had helped fund the purse and brought celebrity attention to the pro-am since the partnership began in 2025. Steve Mays, named tournament director on Thursday, said the event's structure is unchanged. "We're gonna move forward as the Myrtle Beach Classic with Visit Myrtle Beach as our title sponsor. There'll be no change to the purse or to the tournament," Mays said, according to WMBF.

Federal lawsuits against Oneflight and founder Ferren Rajput allege a Ponzi-like scheme. Five-Star Audiovisual Inc. claims Oneflight suspended services around Sept. 16 without notice and holds $223,000 of its money for future flights. A suit by Jeremy Ricks of California alleges Oneflight "used customer funds to service obligations to earlier customers and fund marketing and sponsorship campaigns for various groups, including the PGA Tour and McLaren F1 team." Another suit alleges the firm retains $800,000 in cash payments and promotional credits. ABC 15 previously reported the lawsuits described the sponsor as "the hallmark of a Ponzi Scheme."

Sportfive, which operates the Grand Strand event, announced Mays's appointment effective immediately. Mays, who brings 30 years of leadership experience, succeeded Darren Nelson. "I've spent my career helping grow golf in Myrtle Beach, and it's an honor to take on this role," Mays said, according to WPDE. Sportfive in September was appointed exclusive hospitality sales agent for Euro 2028 in six countries and extended its VIP ticket and TV rights partnership with Real Madrid, according to Sportcal.

PGA TOUR's 2028 Competition Plans

According to akta.pro company records, the PGA TOUR approved a two-tier competitive system launching in 2028, with a Championship Series of about 120 players and purses above $20 million and a Challenger Series of roughly 100 players and purses above $4 million, with promotion and relegation between tiers. The Tour Championship will shift from stroke play at East Lake Golf Club to a match-play format rotating across new venues annually. The tour operates eight Signature Events with $20 million purses each in 2026.

Earlier PGA TOUR Moves

In October 2026, the PGA TOUR Champions eliminated its pension program, which had been $10 million, cut to $8 million, and then removed entirely, with players criticizing the move, according to Yahoo. Ryan Fox argued the PGA TOUR should elevate Asian and Australasian events to attract top American players, pointing to the Aussie Open's growth, according to Yahoo. Davis Shore secured his 2027 PGA TOUR card after finishing 18th on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, according to Yahoo.

Myrtle Beach Classic Return Date

The Myrtle Beach Classic returns to The Dunes Golf and Beach Club from May 13-16, 2027.