SENECA — After former Clemson star Lucas Glover helped raise the profile of golf in the area last month with his memorable win at the U.S. Open in New York, the timing couldn’t be better for the South Carolina Open to return to the Golden Corner.

Having last been played in Seneca in 1997, the tournament will take place on July 21-23 at Cross Creek Plantation, where professionals from the Carolinas PGA Section will take on the amateurs in hopes of winning the 58th edition of the South Carolina Open, which is the third major tournament of the season.

Cross Creek pro Mark Ernst said he is happy to have the tournament back in Seneca, as it promises to make for an exciting three days of action.

“To be able to host a tournament of this caliber at our facility is an honor, and the course, as always, will be in peak condition come mid-summer,” Ernst said. “We can’t wait to see how players handle the challenges it will throw at them.”

With that, Carolinas PGA Assistant Executive Director Chris Mezenski said it was an easy decision to return the tournament back to Seneca.

“We know that Mark will have the course more than ready, and it’s truly a privilege for us to be able to hold the South Carolina Open there again,” Mezenski said. “All competitors are going to be in for a difficult contest.”

The times have changed since the tournament was last held in Seneca, as prior to 2003 only South Carolina PGA professionals and amateurs were eligible to play.

But now, the tournament is open to both North and South Carolina professionals and amateurs, creating a larger, more competitive field that Ernst said should also help to bring in a bigger crowd to the area.

“The golf course is very challenging, and we like to get guys into this area to bring some tourism dollars for the city of Seneca and Oconee County as well, so that always helps,” Ernst said.

While tourist dollars will undoubtedly be pumped into the local economy, admission to the tournament will be free of charge, as Ernst said the public is encouraged to come out to the course.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Carolinas PGA Section website has two area golfers listed to play in the tournament, including amateur James Glenn of Seneca and pro Shannon Howell of Clemson.

Registration for the tournament will run through 5 p.m. next Thursday. For eligibility and registration information, visit the website at carolinas.pga.com.