August 16, 2004 celebrates Sports Illustrated’s 50th year, so the publisher decided it was time to recognize cities across the nation for their contribution to sports. One town from each state will be chosen, and Myrtle Beach will represent South Carolina for this honor. However, it is not only the city recreation department that makes Myrtle Beach especially qualified for this title. It was at Pine Lakes Country Club in 1954 that the world was officially introduced to Sports Illustrated.
According to the Sun News, some of the criteria that Sports Illustrated and the National Recreation and Park Association considered when nominating Myrtle Beach are:

• The Parks and Recreation Department of Myrtle Beach employs over 200 employees to staff programs and activities
• Myrtle Beach is known as the golf capital of the world-there are more than 120 courses along the Grand Strand
• The Chamber of Commerce is now emphasizing tourism to the most recent sports additions to our community: the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Coastal Carolina’s NCAA football inaugural season