The BMW Charity Pro-Am’s 2026 host question continues to swirl as Spartanburg confirms talks with the Korn Ferry Tour after Carolina Country Club’s contract was canceled.

Earlier coverage: BMW Charity Pro-Am withdraws from Carolina Country Club

By Stan Olenik, Editor-Publisher, The Golf Club

The only thing truly certain about the BMW Charity Pro-Am this week is how carefully everyone has avoided saying what everyone already knows.

What began as an ill-timed web banner on the tournament’s site has now caused both the event and a potential host club to button up like they’re guarding nuclear secrets.

Listing The Country Club of Spartanburg as a 2026 host—while Carolina Country Club received notice its contract was being canceled—forced Spartanburg to respond.

On Thursday, Club President Alex Powell emailed members confirming discussions with the tournament are underway.

“At this time, we can confirm we are in discussions with the Korn Ferry Tour and South Carolina Charities about the possibility of hosting the tournament,” Powell wrote. “These negotiations are ongoing, and additional details are expected in the coming weeks.”

The Business Question

Maybe the ink isn’t on the contract yet—but how do you produce a website banner and a cancellation letter while only discussions are going on?

As inept as the BMW tournament has appeared, it’s hard to believe they would alter their site and cancel a valid contract without assurance they’d have a place to play in 2026.

If they did, it would seem reckless—and could explain why the tournament called at least one former companion course to gauge its interest, just in case.

The Spartanburg Position

The BMW’s companion-course list is an impressive one—six major Upstate clubs, all among the state’s best. But that roster may have exhausted the region’s supply of venues either capable, available, or willing to host a pro event.

That leaves The Country Club of Spartanburg as perhaps the last comparable option. After the bumbling by the tournament so far, they would be fortunate to salvage the situation with a top-quality partner like CCS — and, if no deal is signed, Spartanburg remains in a strong negotiating position.

The Member Question

It didn’t take long after Powell’s email for members to ask:

“If the BMW takes up a week and the State Junior follows right after, am I still paying full dues when I can’t play my course?”

That question comes up any time a course hosts big events. The answer, of course, is always yes.

The Balancing Act

Powell’s message walks a careful line—reassuring members the club is exploring an opportunity without admitting a deal is already done and awaiting the Korn Ferry schedule release.

It’s a communications dance forced on Powell by the sloppy, premature web banner and the disrespectful way the BMW ended its Carolina Country Club partnership.

The Larger View

If the deal is indeed done—waiting only for the PGA Tour’s schedule release—there’s little more Powell could tell his members.

Once again, the only thing certain about the BMW Charity Pro-Am this week is how carefully everyone has avoided saying what everyone already knows.

Follow PalmettoSportsNet.com for updates on the BMW Charity Pro-Am 2026 and Korn Ferry Tour schedule announcements.