Author James Dodson, one of the nation’s premier golf writers of the past 20 years, used the theme of fathers and sons playing golf together in two of his best-selling works: “Final Rounds,” Dodson’s touching story of playing in Scotland with his terminally ill father, in 1996; and “A Son of the Game,” about connecting with his own son, Jack, in 2009. Other writers also have written about famous players – Palmer, Nicklaus, Tiger and more – and explored their ties to their dads.

Little wonder, then, that the Golf Dimensions Father & Son Team Classic – set for July 18-20, to be played over nine Grand Strand courses – is celebrating its 16th year in 2013, playing off this universal touchstone.

The three-day family event has become the largest father-son golf event in the world, according to promoters. In 2012, more than 900 players from 46 states and seven foreign nations participated in 24 flights. Throw in the lure of America’s seaside golf capital, and it’s a combination that attracts players of all ages and abilities.

The tournament is open to combinations of fathers-sons, grandfathers-grandsons, stepfathers-stepsons, fathers and sons in law, even uncles and nephews. Cost of the event ($1,200 for first-time teams, $975 for repeaters) covers all golf-related fees for the three tournament rounds; lunch each day; a closing-day cookout and awards ceremony; plus a Fathers & Sons Skills Challenge, a Demo Alley at Barefoot Resort & Golf Driving Range, tournament hats, shirts and golf balls and personalized tournament bag tags. Also, each player receives a $100 Golf Dimensions Superstore gift card and $100 in golf merchandise.

Activities stretch over four days including July 17’s registration/check-in and practice rounds. On July 18, teams compete in two-man Texas Scramble competition; on July 19, the format is two-man better ball, and July 20 features two-man captain’s choice. All amateurs will play at 80 percent of handicap, with teams flighted according to total handicap for both players, and each format will use different percentages of handicaps.

Courses for the tournament will be Barefoot Resort’s Fazio Course, the Long Bay Club, Burning Ridge Golf Club, Sea Trail’s Byrd Course, Kings North at Myrtle Beach National, the Legends Resort’s Moorland course, Crow Creek Golf Club, Wild Wing Plantation (Avocet), and Rivers Edge.

For information on formats and/or the event, or to register, go to www.fathersongolf.com. Entry forms can also be mailed to P.O. Box 50742, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29579, or faxed to (843) 449-5624.