The Myrtle Beach area attracts all different kinds of people for many different reasons. One of the main reasons people choose to live at the beach are the many golf courses that are available. Having so many courses offers job opportunities to those that want to make their avocation also their vocation. The Myrtle Beach area was very fortunate to have Hal Harrigan make this his choice.
Hal grew up in Salisbury, N.C. and was very active in many sports, but his love of the game of golf and his desire to improve was a driving force in his life. Hal graduated from Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, N.C. with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in sociology. After graduating Hal became the physical director at the YMCA in Charlotte, N.C. He then went into sales for a packaging equipment company and eventually ended up selling insurance.
In 1997 Hal’s wife Jean passed away and he needed a change. Hal decided to move to the beach and join the Sunbelt Senior Tour that was started by Don Barnes. He also competed in the Sunbelt Senior Series that was based out of Winston-Salem and the Palm Coast Tour in Florida.
Obviously golf is Hal’s passion and he probably plays more golf than anyone in the area, playing every day, weather permitting. Hal will soon be 69 years old and he has shot his age four times within the last year. Hal has had six hole-in-ones and even more rare, 2 double-eagles in his career.
Hal loves the laid back lifestyle that the Grand Strand offers and when he dines out he likes The Grill House in North Myrtle Beach. His favorite golf course is the Dunes Golf and Beach Club because of the tradition and the layout. When not playing golf Hal enjoys following the Atlanta Braves, the Carolina Panthers and North Carolina basketball. Hal also spends a great deal of time visiting with his son, Phillip, who lives in Charlotte.
Hal has worked at many golf facilities on the beach including Calabash Golf Links, Marsh Harbor, Diamondback and the Surf Club. Currently Hal works part time at Eagle Nest Golf Club in Little River.
Hal is currently playing on the new Coastal Players Tour that was started by Buddy Wilkins. He also is working on his game to prepare for the U.S. Senior Open qualifying.
The passion that Hal has for the game of golf is something that the game needs to instill in more people, especially juniors. He is a very interesting person, having many stories to tell about his adventures on the different tours that he has competed on. The game of golf needs more Hal Harrigan’s and if you ever get the chance to meet him you will be very glad you did.
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