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<p><em>Story By Chris King</em></p>
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<p>A golf cart industry titan and one of the area’s premier course operators headlined the 15th annual Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame (MBGOH) Induction ceremony at historic <a href="https://www.mbn.com/course/pine-lakes-country-club">Pine Lakes Country Club</a>.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="325" height="325" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-11978" style="width:300px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-1.png 325w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-1-300x300.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Graham-1-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px" /></figure></div>

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<p>Phillip Graham and Colonel Charles “Charlie” Thrash became the 35th and 36th members of the MBGOH, highlighting their role in Myrtle Beach’s emergence as the world’s most popular golf destination.</p>
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<p>Graham began his career in the golf car industry in 1968 when there were only five Myrtle Beach area golf courses. He worked in the industry for more than 50 years until he passed away in 2019 from lung cancer.</p>
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<p>Over the course of his long career, Graham’s hard work and dedication were a leading force as the golf industry changed. He provided a strong support system for course owners, as Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area transformed from a small beach community to The Golf Capital of the World.</p>
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<p>He worked directly for E-Z-GO as the Branch Manager for more than 30 years before he purchased the business and became the regional distributor for E-Z-GO in 2003. As regional distributor, he was able to offer a more direct level of local service to all customers. Under his leadership, Graham E-Z-GO was able to gain market share and develop strong relationships with customers.</p>
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<p>Because of his character, he often did business with a handshake and a promise. Thanks to his hard work and dedication throughout his career, Graham E-Z-GO received numerous awards including Branch of the Year, Distributor of Year and became the largest US Distributor for E-Z-GO.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="325" height="325" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Thrash-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-11979" style="width:300px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Thrash-1.png 325w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Thrash-1-300x300.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Thrash-1-150x150.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px" /></figure></div>

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<p>Thrash entered the Myrtle Beach golf community in 1996 as the General Manager of Bay Tree Golf Plantation. During the next two decades his foresight and initiatives had a lasting impact on Grand Strand golf. Under his leadership Bay Tree became recognized as “Tournament Central” – developing and hosting professional, collegiate, high school, and international junior events.</p>
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<p>These tournaments exposed thousands of young golfers to the wonders of golf in the Myrtle Beach. Bay Tree’s exceptional history, and its efforts in bringing new players to the Grand Strand, resulted in Bay Tree Golf Plantation being selected as the first recipient of the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association Golf Course of the Year.</p>
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<p>Thrash’s second decade in Myrtle Beach golf was spent as the Director of Coastal Carolina University’s Professional Golf Management program. Under his guidance, the program excelled; becoming the largest in the nation. He also played a major role in CCU acquiring their own golf course. The General James Hackler Golf Course became instrumental in supporting both the PGM program and CCU’s athletic and student recreational activities.</p>
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<p>In 2013 Charlie was recognized for his support of young golfers by being selected as the Father of the Year by the National Father &amp; Son Team Classic.</p>
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<p>Colonel Thrash served in the United States Air Force for 26 years. He is a decorated combat pilot whose awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.</p>
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<p>Other members of the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame include Jim Woodring, Matthew Brittain, Jack Himmelsbach, Gene Weldon, Dustin Johnson, Hootie &amp; the Blowfish, Robert White, Jimmy D’Angelo, Carolyn Cassidy Cudone, Clay Brittain, Cecil Brandon, General James “Jim” Hackler, Jr., George “Buster” Bryan, Ed Bullock, Gary Schaal, Paul Himmelsbach, Charles Byers, Lawrence Leagans, J. Egerton Burroughs, J. Bryan Floyd, Casper Leon Benton, Edward Jerdon, George Hilliard, Russell “Doc” Burgess, Critt Gore, Sandy Miles, Phillips Goings, Kelly Tilghman, Robert LeComte, Vernon Brake, Edward Burroughs, Arthur Herbert “Doc” Lachicotte Jr., Mickey McCamish and Larry Young.</p>
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<p>Established to pay tribute to the men and women who have played significant roles in the development of the Myrtle Beach area golf industry, the Hall of Fame opened in 2009. Plaques for hall of fame inductees are located in a courtyard at Pine Lakes Country Club, the Myrtle Beach area’s first course.</p>
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<p>For more information about Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame, visit <a href="https://myrtlebeachgolfhalloffame.org/">www.themyrtlebeachgolfhalloffame.com</a></p>
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Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Pine Lakes Country Club

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Golf Cart Pioneer and Course Operator Inducted into Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame

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