Full Breakdown
Brandt Snedeker Ends Eight-Year Title Drought at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
5/11/2026, 7:58:18 PM
Background & Context
Brandt Snedeker, a 45-year-old American who has ten PGA Tour victories, last won at the 2018 Wyndham Championship—2,821 days before his recent triumph. A 2022 experimental sternum surgery left him with limited playing status; he entered the 2026 season on conditional membership and was named United States captain for the 2026 Presidents Cup. The Myrtle Beach event offered a two-year Tour exemption and a spot in the upcoming PGA Championship, providing a rare opportunity for a player whose world ranking had slipped to 273.
Tournament Overview
The ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, an alternate-field tournament held at Dunes Golf & Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ran opposite the PGA-Tour flagship event at Quail Hollow. Snedeker posted rounds of 67, 66, 67 and 66 for a total of 18-under-par 266, edging Mark Hubbard by one stroke. The top-10 finish also secured entry for Snedeker into the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
Data & Statistics
- Snedeker: 18-under 266 (four rounds of 66-67)
- Final-round score: reported as 5-under 66 in most sources; one source lists 5-under 65.
- Winning margin: 1 stroke over Mark Hubbard (17-under 267).
- Third place: Beau Hossler (68) and Kevin Roy (69), both 16-under.
- Notable finishers: Brooks Koepka (70, 12-under), Blades Brown (67, 9-under).
- Hubbard’s career: 274 starts before his first win.
Key Moments & Drama
On the 18th hole, Snedeker’s tee shot landed in the right-hand trees; he salvaged a bogey after pitching to the fairway and two-putting from 30 feet. Hubbard faced an identical dilemma, missing a 24-foot par putt that would have forced a playoff. Snedeker’s emotional response unfolded on the driving range, where he embraced caddie Heath Holt and shed tears after Hubbard’s miss confirmed the victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Snedeker described the win as “amazing” and emphasized its career-changing impact, noting the two-year exemption and PGA Championship berth will broaden his schedule and enhance his ability to evaluate players for the Presidents Cup team. He also highlighted the personal significance of overcoming recent health setbacks and a prolonged period without full Tour status. Hubbard expressed disappointment, saying he “definitely felt like it was going to be my day” and was “super bummed” after the final-hole miss. Tournament officials confirmed that the victory grants the champion a two-year exemption and entry into the PGA Championship, though it does not provide a Masters invitation because the event is an alternate field.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel amazing,” — Brandt Snedeker, PGA Tour player
- “It means everything to me,” — Brandt Snedeker, after the Myrtle Beach Classic win
- “Super bummed. I definitely felt like it was going to be my day,” — Mark Hubbard, PGA Tour player
- “There are points in the last couple of years I didn’t think I could win again,” — Brandt Snedeker, reflecting on his comeback
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Snedeker’s final-round score: most cite a 5-under 66, while one report lists a 5-under 65. No other major discrepancies appear.
What’s Next
Snedeker will compete in the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club next week and will continue his duties as United States Presidents Cup captain, with the win likely influencing his selection of future team members.
