The biggest tournament of 2024 that you might have missed

As another year in golf draws to a close, let’s review the high-water marks.

Scottie Scheffler won seven tournaments and Player of the Year honors, Xander Schauffele claimed two major titles, and Nelly Korda reclaimed the number-one ranking in the women’s game. But none of those stars matched the feat pulled off by Upendra Modak, a double-digit handicap from Charlotte, N.C., who took first place is the biggest golf event of 2024.

By “biggest,” we mean the event with the largest field: 2,971. That’s how many competitors Modak outlasted in August to capture the crown in the 41st annual World Amateur Handicap Championship, in Myrtle Beach.

“My main goal was not to blow away the round,” Modak said after a shooting a net 68 (gross 81) in the final round of the multi-day event. “That has been something that has been happening for all these years.”

Sounds relatable, and that’s the point.

Since its birth in 1983, the World Amateur has earned a rightful reputation as the People’s Open for everyday golfers. Elite skill is not required. Only a registered handicap is, the maximum allowed being 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women. This year’s participation was emblematic of the inclusivity: It drew players from more than 25 countries and all 50 of the United States.

The competition played out, as ever, across more than 50 courses on the Grand Strand, including such headline layouts as Caledonia, Tidewater and the Love, Norman and Fazio courses at Barefoot Resort. In a format designed to produce a level playing field, the World Amateur flights golfers by gender, age and handicap. Given the size of the field, that’s a lot of flights: 70 altogether, with handicap ranges as tight as half a stroke, further ensuring a fair competition. 

After 72 holes of net stroke play, the top finishers from each flight move on to a championship round at Grand Dunes Resort Club (there is also a gross division, whose winner gets an invite into the championship round as well). This year, Modak grabbed the trophy by leaning, he said, on “short game, short game, short game,” which was good enough to edge Ryan Ferreira of Portugal by a stroke. But he was not the only winner. At the World Amateur, prizes are paid to the top 5 finishers in each flight. There are also daily contest prizes, totaling more than $30,000 in value, handed out by random drawing. And all participants receive a gift bag with a value nearing $300 in value, along with nightly access—plus a guest — to what is billed as the world’s largest 19th hole, with complimentary food, and open bar and live music.

It’s hard to walk away empty-handed.

Modak knows. This was his 9th appearance in the World Amateur, and he said he’ll be back to defend his crown next year. Registration is already open for 2025.