MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Some of the biggest names in Atlantic Coast Conference history were in Myrtle Beach this weekend for a star-studded golf event hosted by a coach with a legendary background of his own.
The event at Legends Golf Resort’s Heathland Course was a fundraiser for the Cliff and Carolyn Ellis Foundation, which supports reading and writing skills for children before they enter the first grade.
Ellis, who coached Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball from 2007 until his retirement last year, is the ninth winningest in NCAA Division 1, racking up 831 career victories over a 51-year college coaching career.
“You’ve got just so many great people here. People have been wonderful to come out and be a part of this and help support the foundation,” Ellis said.
The inaugural tournament included a fan meet-and-greet and silent auction. More than 70 ACC coaches and players participated, including 2000 NBA All-Star and Clemson alum Dale Davis, 1993 ACC basketball tournament MVP James Forrest and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward.
Ellis hopes the weekend gathering is the start of a new tradition.
“That’s what this is about. Memories have been made. They battle against each other, tough battles. Last second shots, different personalities, talk about the people that are no longer here,” Ellis said. “It was absolutely wonderful. These guys had a great time, and I have too.”
Ellis hopes to add even more names to the roster for next year’s tournament.
“We have somebody from every team here, and really going back to the days of old somewhat, the ‘70’s, the ‘80’s, the ‘90’s, and even in the early 2000s,” Ellis said. “Next year we plan to bring every team in. This was about that era where basketball was really developed in the ACC.”
