Ridgeland, SC, October 26, 2023 — Congaree Foundation and the ARNOLD & WINNIE PALMER FOUNDATION announced today that Congaree Golf Club has been selected to host the 2025 ARNOLD PALMER CUP. The event marks the beginning of a new partnership between two of the leading philanthropic organizations in the golf industry and will advance their shared commitment to positively impact the lives of youth through character development, educational opportunities and growth of the game of golf at the amateur and collegiate levels.
The 29th Arnold Palmer Cup is scheduled to be hosted at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, SC, June 5-7, 2025. The Ryder Cup-style tournament features the top men’s and women’s collegiate golfers, matching a U.S. team against a team of international players (12 men & 12 women per team); it is the only major tournament in which men and women play side-by-side as partners. Since its inception in 1997, it has been played at some of the world’s greatest courses, including The Old Course, Baltusrol, Royal Portrush and Cherry Hills. Over 125 tournament alumni have gone on to earn cards on the PGA, DP World, and LPGA Tours, claiming a combined 310 victories. Alumni include Major champions John Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Lucas Glover and Lilia Vu. The U.S. leads the overall series 14-12-1.
The new partnership will extend beyond the tournament and bolster each organization’s goals to impact lives through the game of golf. The Palmer Foundation will support Congaree Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, including the Congaree Global Golf Initiative (CGGI), financially, programmatically and through industry partnerships. CGGI, Congaree Foundation’s signature program, provides underserved and well-deserving high school students in the U.S. and globally who aspire to play collegiate golf access to the highest level of athletic coaching and academic tools to help them thrive in high school and college. The program, which is offered at no cost to participants, has helped youth golfers from 31 countries earn millions of dollars in scholarship funding and compete collegiately at over 50 schools in the U.S. since its inception.
The Palmer Foundation will also serve as a Nominating Partner for CGGI to identify and recommend future participants and will attend CGGI sessions at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, SC, and in the U.K. each summer to share the Palmer legacy. Additionally, the Palmer Foundation will endow a $100,000 scholarship for graduates of CGGI planning to enter a four-year university to play golf or study a golf-related field, such as agronomy or golf management, with plans to grow the endowment to $1 million by 2030. The partnership will also allow Congaree Foundation to provide a large and diverse pool of current and former CGGI students access to internship and employment opportunities with the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill Club, Latrobe Country Club and the Palmer Foundation.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, which shares Congaree Foundation’s mission to promote youth character and academic development through the game of golf,” said Dan Friedkin, founder of Congaree and Chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group.
“In addition to hosting one of the premier amateur golf events at Congaree, this partnership will allow us to use our collective resources and reach to impact even more students by providing them educational, mentorship and vocational opportunities that will enhance their opportunities for success in life.”
“My parents dedicated their lives to empowering youth,” said Amy Palmer Saunders. “The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation is proud to partner with Congaree Foundation, which shares their values and mission to create opportunities for the next generation, leading to a better game and a better world for us all.”
Congaree, a Tom Fazio design, is located about 30 minutes north of Savannah, GA. The club, which ranks No. 42 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, hosted the PGA TOUR’s THE CJ CUP in South Carolina in October of 2022, won by Rory McIlroy, as well as the Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June of 2021, won by Garrick Higgo.
Each summer during the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, students create a plan to achieve their collegiate goals, and this fall, 17 Congaree Kids will be making their dreams a reality.
Students of the 2023 graduating class are enrolling in colleges across the country in the coming weeks with 11 continuing their golf careers at some of the country’s top programs. Krystal Li, a 2022 attendee and Canada native, will be attending Rutgers University to compete in the Big 10, one of the strongest conferences in women’s golf. NaShawn Tyson from Stuart, FL has committed to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Tyson is the third CGGI graduate to compete for the Owls, joining Marc Kaneko-Fujii (2018) and Kaleb Palm (2019). Haven Ward, a 2022 CGGI student from Atlanta, GA, is joining the No. 40-ranked University of Denver Pioneers, a program that appealed to her thanks to their history of success and strong academics.
“Haven is a standout athlete and golfer,” PIONEER’S WOMEN’S GOLF HEAD COACH MARTHA RICHARDS SAID. “Playing multiple sports growing up will be such an asset for her as she moves forward in her career. She has accomplished so much already, but her best golf is still in front of her and to sign such a terrific athlete is so exciting for me. I believe the sky is the limit for her.”
A number of CGGI students opted to focus exclusively on academic pursuits, rather than continuing competitive golf and will be attending prestigious schools including the University of Oklahoma and Arizona State University. Jones Saylor from Bluffton, SC is enrolling in Coastal Carolina’s PGA Golf Management program and is the inaugural recipient of the Congaree Foundation Scholarship.
“This year’s enrolling freshmen are as impressive academically as they are athletically, as evidenced by the caliber of institutions they have been accepted into,” said Ed Graf, CGGI Academic Advisor and College Admissions Consultant. “Some of this group had opportunities to play collegiate golf but made the decision to pursue higher academic interests instead. We are proud to have helped them achieve their goals in the classroom and know that they will use the game of golf to further their college and professional careers.”
The Congaree Foundation network of Ambassadors, partners, and supporters are thrilled for each student and look forward to following each one’s collegiate success on and off the course.
The full list of collegiate golfers from the class of 2023 is below.
*Denotes collegiate golfer
RIDGELAND, SC –Featuring a field of 53 PGA TOUR winners, THE 2022 CJ CUP in South Carolina is set to begin at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina from October 19-23.
The 78-man limited field event will include 23 players from the top 30 in the 2021-22 FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List, featuring four FedExCup Champions (Billy Horschel, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Thomas) and 15 players from the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
McIlroy will defend his title, which he won last year at The Summit Club in Las Vegas for his 20th career PGA TOUR title and first in his season debut. The Northern Irishman went on to win twice more during the 2021-22 season, including the season-ending TOUR Championship where he claimed a record third FedExCup title.
Thomas won the inaugural CJ CUP in 2017 when it was launched as Korea’s first official PGA TOUR event and repeated as champion in 2019, securing both victories at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island before the tournament was relocated to the U.S. due to the challenges of COVID-19. This will be the first time THE CJ CUP will be played in the Southeast region of the U.S. following the staging of the tournament in Las Vegas, first at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2020 and The Summit Club last year.
Twenty players who featured in the recent Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow will also tee it up at the Tom Fazio-designed course, including nine members of the victorious U.S. Team (Sam Burns, Max Homa, Horschel, Kevin Kisner, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Spieth, Thomas, and Cameron Young) and 10 members of the International Team (Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Corey Conners, Cam Davis, Sungjae Im, Si Woo Kim, Tom Kim, K.H. Lee, Hideki Matsuyama, Sebastián Muñoz, and Mito Pereira).
The field for THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will also feature 10 sponsor exemptions, five players designated by the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), and the top-3 available players of Korean nationality from the Official World Golf Ranking as part of CJ Group’s vision to support the development of professional golf in Korea. There will be no 36-hole cut.
+ Sponsor Exemption, * KPGA, # OWGR Ranking
Daily Grounds tickets are available for purchase at CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM, with a maximum of two (2) children ages 15 and under admitted free per ticketed adult.
To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, THE CJ CUP in South Carolina is pleased to offer active duty, retirees, veterans, and National Guard members up to four (4) complimentary tickets per day, October 19-23. Please note military members will need an active GovX account to verify military status and unlock ticket offer. If military members don’t have one tied to their military credentials, they must visit GOVX.COM to create an account.
For more information about the THE CJ CUP in South Carolina, please visit CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM.
RIDGELAND, South Carolina – Tournament officials for THE CJ CUP in South Carolina announced today that reigning three-time FedExCup Champion Rory McIlroy has committed to defend his CJ CUP title, which he won at The Summit Club in Las Vegas in 2021. The 2022 event will be staged at the renowned Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina, October 19-23.
THE CJ CUP was launched as Korea’s first official PGA TOUR tournament in 2017 and was played for three consecutive years at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island before being relocated to the U.S. due to the challenges of COVID-19. This will be the first time THE CJ CUP will be played in the Southeast region of the U.S. following the staging of the tournament in Las Vegas, first at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2020 and The Summit Club last year.
McIlroy’s victory at The Summit Club was his 20th career PGA TOUR title but the first in his season debut. McIlroy went on to win twice more during the 2021-22 season, including at the season-ending TOUR Championship where he claimed a record third FedExCup title.
McIlroy will once again make his season debut at THE CJ CUP, but this time in South Carolina where he will face Congaree Golf Club for the first time. THE CJ CUP in South Carolina marks the second time Congaree has hosted a PGA TOUR event. The club hosted the TOUR’s Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June of 2021, won by South African Garrick Higgo.
“This will be my first time beginning a PGA TOUR season with a title defense, so I will enjoy drawing back on positive memories from 2021,” McIlroy said. “I am really looking forward to seeing what Congaree is all about. From the design of the golf course to the overall player experience, everything I have heard about it from those who played the tournament in 2021 was overwhelmingly positive.”
THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will feature a 78-man field comprised of five players designated by the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), as well as the top-3 available players of Korean nationality from the Official World Golf Ranking as part of CJ Group’s vision to support the development of professional golf in Korea. The remainder of the field will be made up of the leading players from the 2021-22 FedExCup points list and sponsor exemptions. There will be no 36-hole cut.
As a reminder to fans, Daily Grounds tickets are now available for purchase at CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM, with a maximum of two (2) children ages 15 and under admitted free per ticketed adult.
To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, THE CJ CUP in South Carolina is pleased to offer active duty, retirees, veterans, and National Guard members up to four (4) complimentary tickets per day, October 19-23. Please note military members will need an active GovX account to verify military status and unlock ticket offer. If military members don’t have one tied to their military credentials, they must visit GOVX.COM to create an account.
For more information about the THE CJ CUP in South Carolina including volunteer opportunities, please visit CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM.
RIDGELAND, South Carolina – Tournament officials for THE CJ CUP in South Carolina announced today that Daily Grounds tickets are now on sale for the upcoming tournament, which will be staged at the renowned Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina, October 19-23, 2022.
THE CJ CUP was launched as Korea’s first official PGA TOUR tournament in 2017 and was played for three consecutive years at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island before being relocated to the U.S. due to the challenges of COVID-19.
This will be the first time THE CJ CUP will be played in the Southeast region of the U.S. following the staging of the tournament in Las Vegas, first at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2020 and The Summit Club last year. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion after winning THE CJ CUP at The Summit Club en route to his record third FedExCup title.
A Daily Grounds ticket gives access to THE CJ CUP in South Carolina, with the following prices per day (prices are subject to taxes and fees):
A maximum of two (2) children ages 15 and under are admitted free per one ticketed adult. Tickets are available for purchase at CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM.
To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, THE CJ CUP in South Carolina is pleased to offer active duty, retirees, veterans, and National Guard members up to four (4) complimentary tickets per day, October 19-23. Please note military members will need an active GovX account to verify military status and unlock ticket offer. If military members don’t have one tied to their military credentials, they must visit GOVX.COM to create an account.
THE CJ CUP in South Carolina marks the second time Congaree has hosted a PGA TOUR event. The club hosted the TOUR’s Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June of 2021, won by South African Garrick Higgo.
“We are excited to bring PGA TOUR golf back to Congaree and offer these tremendous fans in the region an opportunity to see world-class players on one of the top courses in the United States,” said Tournament Director Andre Silva. “CJ has been a great partner to the TOUR for a long time, and I know they are eager to bring their unique fan experience to South Carolina this October.”
THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will feature a 78-man field comprised of five players designated by the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), as well as the top-3 available players of Korean nationality from the Official World Golf Ranking as part of CJ Group’s vision to support the development of professional golf in Korea. The remainder of the field will be made up of the leading players from the 2021-22 FedExCup points list and sponsor exemptions. There will be no 36-hole cut.
In addition to the ticket launch, the tournament announced that volunteer registration is now open. Volunteering offers a variety of opportunities to get involved with THE CJ CUP in South Carolina. Volunteers are an integral part of every PGA TOUR event and make it possible to conduct a world-class tournament by devoting time, talent, and passion to help run all aspects of the event.
There over 20 different volunteer committees available to choose from including Competition Support (ball spotters and location-based operators, both inside the ropes), Admissions, Player
Transportation, Gallery Management, Supply Distribution and Media Center operations.
To purchase tickets or parking passes, or to register for volunteer opportunities at THE CJ CUP in South Carolina, please visit CJCUPSOUTHCAROLINA.COM.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – PGA TOUR and CJ GROUP officials today announced that THE CJ CUP will be contested at CONGAREE GOLF CLUB in Ridgeland, South Carolina, the week of October 17-23, 2022. The tournament name will be changed to THE CJ CUP in South Carolina.
The tournament was launched as Korea’s first official PGA TOUR tournament in 2017 and was played for three consecutive years at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island before being relocated to the U.S. due to the challenges of COVID-19.
This will be the first time THE CJ CUP will be played in the Southeast region of the U.S. following the staging of the tournament in Las Vegas, first at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2020 and The Summit Club last year.
“Thanks to the tremendous commitment from CJ Group, the PGA TOUR is thrilled to bring THE CJ CUP in South Carolina to the United States this October,” said Christian Hardy, the PGA TOUR’s Senior Vice President, International. “This event has provided a great platform on which to showcase golf’s top Korean players, and we are confident that Congaree will once again serve as a fantastic venue for hosting one of the TOUR’s premier tournaments.”
THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will feature a 78-man field comprised of five players designated by the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), as well as the top-3 available players of Korean nationality from the Official World Golf Ranking as part of CJ Group’s vision to support the development of professional golf in Korea. The remainder of the field will be made up of the leading players from the 2021-22 FedExCup points list and sponsor exemptions. There will be no 36-hole cut.
“We are excited to host THE CJ CUP at Congaree this October. Over the last five years, our tournament has established itself on the PGA TOUR through the caliber of champions who have emerged, and we are also proud the tournament has been well received by players, thanks especially to our bibigo chefs who help deliver an amazing dining experience on site,” said Wookho Kyeong, Chief Marketing Officer of CJ Group. “We look forward to engaging with our fans in a new region and celebrating another fantastic week of golf.”
Congaree, a Tom Fazio design, is located about an hour northwest of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The club, which debuted at No. 39 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses last May, hosted the PGA TOUR’s Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June of 2021, won by South African Garrick Higgo. The course was built to challenge the world’s top golfers and has earned widespread praise among PGA TOUR players.
Congaree was founded with a philanthropic mission to positively impact the lives of young people through the game of golf. The CONGAREE FOUNDATION supports a number of educational and vocational initiatives within its local community and internationally through the Congaree Global Golf Initiative. Instead of members, the club invites “ambassadors” to join who are passionate about supporting Congaree Foundation’s philanthropic programs and becoming personally involved through a shared devotion to the game and giving their time to mentorship opportunities.
“It’s a privilege to welcome THE CJ CUP to South Carolina and Congaree. From day one, our steadfast belief has been that Congaree can be a conduit to make a difference in the lives of young people locally and around the world,” said Dan Friedkin, founder of Congaree. “In addition to providing a significant economic impact for the state, THE CJ CUP will enable Congaree Foundation to give back to youth in the Lowcountry and beyond in even more meaningful ways.”
THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will be held in partnership with The State of South Carolina, which also supported the Palmetto Championship.
With more than 300 courses and an annual economic impact in the billions, golf is one of the most important markets in South Carolina’s tourism industry. THE CJ CUP in South Carolina joins the list of other significant tournaments in South Carolina in 2022, including the annual RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, and the Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation in Greenville.
“In 2021, South Carolina caught the eye of the golf world by hosting three highly successful tournaments in the PGA Championship at the Ocean Course, the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, and the Palmetto Championship at Congaree Golf Club,” said South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster. “This success, coupled with the rapidly growing popularity of golf in our state, has made South Carolina a top destination for major golf events. We look forward to continuing to grow this reputation with THE CJ CUP in South Carolina and beyond.”
Tickets, volunteer opportunities and additional tournament news regarding THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will be released soon. For more information on the event, please visit PGATOUR.COM.
This month, the sixth edition of the Congaree Global Golf Initiative drew 24 students to the South Carolina Lowcountry to hone their skills on the course and in the classroom.
The 2022 class of Congaree Kids traveled from 11 states, Canada, and Costa Rica, for intensive academic and athletic training as they pursue their goal of playing collegiate golf. This group of students were among the most accomplished to come through CGGI since the program’s inception, arriving with an average GPA of 3.9 and USGA handicap under 1.
The program had a major impact on Marcus Leonard, a rising senior from Atlanta, GA.
“This week has meant so much to me. It’s impacted my life, not so much in my golf game, but me as a better person,” Marcus said. “I want to simply say thank you, but I don’t even think that does it justice.”
Marcus is the third student from Atlanta to attend CGGI and was joined in the 2022 class by Haven Ward. Fellow Atlantan AJ Ford was a member of CGGI’s 2018 class and has gone on to have a successful collegiate career at North Carolina A&T.
Rising junior Karlie Campbell was initially apprehensive about traveling to Congaree from her hometown of Ethridge, Tennessee, but quickly settled in and felt at home in the Lowcountry.
“At first, I was a little nervous coming, just because I’ve never flown on a plane before and I’ve never been to a golf camp or anything so I didn’t really know what to expect,” Karlie said. “The people here just make you feel welcome, and it’s just a good atmosphere. To feel like you’re at home and to meet the people I did, to create the best memories, this is something I’ll never forget.”
Karlie is the third student from Ethridge to graduate from CGGI, and she was excited to share advice with future Congaree Kids.
“My advice is to make the most of the experience. It’s something that you’ll never forget,” Karlie said. “Like the speakers that we had said, ‘golf is what you do, not who you are.’ I think that’s a really big message that each kid should understand, especially at the age they are now.”
While the students learned valuable lessons during their week at Congaree, their relationship with CGGI has just begun. The program’s golf instructors, admissions experts and academic advisors will spend the next several years working closely with these students to help them earn valuable scholarships to achieve their collegiate goals.
Congaree Foundation is also excited to announce that CGGI is not finished for the year. For the first time, a third week of programing will be hosted at Archerfield Links in Scotland this July. The international location breaks down transportation barriers for students from Europe and Africa, allowing an additional 12 students from seven countries to attend.
The full list of 2022 CGGI participants can is below. You can learn more the Congaree Foundation and how to support its mission: How to Help
Congaree Golf Club Participants (May 29-June 12)
DJ Belcher – Simpsonville, South Carolina – 2024
Jeremiah Bianchi – Davenport, Florida – 2024
Karlie Campbell – Ethridge, Tennessee – 2024
Lane Carr – Medina, Tennessee – 2024
Taylor Davis – Salem, Virginia – 2024
Enrico Diaz – San Francisco, California – 2023
Kaylee Dwyer – Mokena, Illinois – 2024
Caroline Gilreath – Roanoke, Virginia – 2023
Jacob Harnden – Grafton, Ontario – 2024
Jamal Hutchison – Fletcher, North Carolina – 2023
Sawyer Klein – Denver, Colorado – 2023
Kayla Lee – Tampa, Florida – 2023
Marcus Leonard Jr. – Atlanta, Georgia – 2023
Krystal Li – Richmond Hill, Ontario – 2023
Elias Mardeni Jr. – Jaco, Costa Rica – 2023
Isaiah Marseille – Linden, New Jersey – 2023
Jaeya Mathis – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 2023
Chase Matthew McLaughlin – Kernersville, North Carolina – 2024
Peyton Ogle – Signal Mountain, Tennessee – 2023
Jeep Patrick – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – 2024
Jones Saylor – Bluffton, South Carolina – 2023
Robert Thompson – Charlotte, North Carolina – 2023
NaShawn Tyson – Stuart, Florida – 2023
Haven Ward – Atlanta, Georgia – 2023
Janneman Brand – Windhoek, Namibia – 2023
Prim Chikwaya – Harare, Zimbabwe – 2023
Abderahmane Fakori – Mohammedia, Morocco – 2024
Declan Fraser – Nairn, Scotland – 2023
Jake Johnston – Edinburgh, Scotland – 2023
Callum Kenneally – Duns, Scotland – 2023
Rachel Mackinlay – Amersham, England – 2023
Jack Mann – Ross Shire, Scotland – 2024
Todd Parker – Windhoek, Namibia – 2023
Edoardo Tadini – Stresa, Italy – 2023
Kristian Tsurtanov – Sofia, Bulgaria – 2024
Connor Wills – Ayr, Scotland – 2023
Sergeant Jasper Golf Club has been a staple of the Lowcountry golf community for more than half a century, but in 2021 the course became a national beacon for access to the game.
After falling into disrepair in recent years, the historic course reopened in March 2021 under the ownership of Congaree Foundation, a philanthropic organization with a mission to positively impact the lives of young people locally and around the globe through the game of golf. Since then, Sergeant Jasper has attracted support from players at all levels of the game, including the fundraising campaign known as #RechargeTheSarge.
Initiated by PGA TOUR player and Congaree Ambassador Lucas Glover, the #RechargeTheSarge campaign was launched during the RBC Heritage in April 2021 with the goal of rehabilitating the course and supporting access to golf and instruction for youth in Jasper County, SC. By donating money for every birdie and eagle made during the tournament in nearby Hilton Head, Glover and other players, including Davis Love III, Stewart Cink, Harold Varner III, J.T. Poston and Brandt Snedeker, helped raise more than $17,000 towards Sergeant Jasper’s new irrigation system. Later in July, former PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour player Michael Sims heard about the initiative and joined the campaign by walking and playing 108 holes in one day, raising over $7,000 to support Sergeant Jasper.
Ongoing support from #RechargeTheSarge and Congaree ambassadors has already helped to transform the course. In addition to the new irrigation system, other key improvements completed in 2021 include revitalized greens, a new HVAC system and furniture in the clubhouse and golf shop, the hiring of a CSGA Superintendent, as well as new course maintenance equipment and golf carts.
Founded in the late 1960s, the course has provided quality golf for Jasper County residents for decades. While there is still more work to be done to revitalize The Sarge and allow it to reach its potential, the outpouring of support from across the country has highlighted the importance of access to the game.
“While our work is not finished, it’s been exciting to see the immediate impact that Recharge The Sarge has had on the club. It’s critical that we continue to maintain it and provide access to those who aspire to pursue their golf dreams for generations to come,” Glover said. “I’m excited to continue my support for Sergeant Jasper and rally others to this cause. Based on the success of Recharge The Sarge in 2021, I plan to bring it back during this year’s Heritage and set the bar even higher.”
From mentorship and educational opportunities to beginner golf instructions, youth programs at Sergeant Jasper Golf Club continue to thrive. For example, ahead of the Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June, Congaree Foundation hosted youth golfers from First Tee of the Lowcountry where they received instruction from Congaree professionals and had the chance to play the course.
Such initiatives have benefited both the community and Congaree Foundation, which hopes to establish The Sarge as a place that students across Lowcountry can be proud to call their home course. Looking back on the progress The Sarge made in 2021, we are one step closer to making the course a place where youth in Jasper County can play, learn, and grow – and have fun while doing it.
As a member of the Congaree Global Golf Initiative inaugural class in 2017, Maeve Cummins has provided an incredible example of the impact that Congaree Foundation can have on students around the world. Now a senior at CARSON NEWMAN UNIVERSITY in Tennessee, Cummins has had a stellar collegiate career from the start. In her first season, she was named First Team All-South Atlantic Conference and was the program’s first SAC Freshman of the Year. The following two seasons Cummins started in every tournament and marked the best career scoring average in school history.
The Northern Irish golfer returned to Congaree earlier this month and shared the impact that Congaree has had on her life.
Q: How did you first learn about CGGI
A: I found out when a big package arrived at my home. My mom said, “This really weird letter arrived for you. You’re not going. This isn’t real.” Then we called Bruce and he explained what the CGGI experience was all about. I still couldn’t believe it.
Q: What did it mean to you and your family to receive an invitation?
A: I had never been to the U.S., so that was cool. The thought of college had always been on my mind, but to have so much help with the process was amazing.
Q: Talk about your CGGI experience and what has stuck with you the most.
A: It’s a big week, so we didn’t have much downtime. But one thing that stuck with me was how everyone at Congaree wanted to do everything for us. Even though we were strangers, the kindness everyone showed us was the most memorable thing for me.
Q: Talk about your experience as a college athlete?
A: It feels like a job sometimes, but my team feels like another family. I’m going to Thanksgiving with one of my teammates this year. We keep in touch with the girls who graduate, too. This experience has allowed me to visit places I never could have otherwise: Indiana, the Carolinas, Florida, Mexico, Tennessee and Georgia.
Q: How did CGGI help prepare you for success at the collegiate level?
A: The academic and recruitment counselors were key in my understanding of the U.S. system. There is just so much to learn.
Q: What are your goals for your final season of college golf?
A: Our school has never made regionals, so I have my eye on that. I’m also in the running to become an All-American golfer. I was close freshman year, but I’m in the ranking requirement now, standing at 17 of the top 25.
Q: What are your goals after graduation?
A: I am on track to graduate a semester early in December. I want to continue at Carson-Newman for my MBA and then live in Knoxville afterwards. I would like to work in sports there in the future.
Q: What advice do you have for any young golfers who go through CGGI in the future?
A: Ask any and all questions that come to you. Everyone here is really helpful and knowledgeable, so there are no stupid questions. Also, wear sunscreen!
Former PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour player Michael Sims recently joined efforts to #rechargethesarge by walking and playing 108 holes in one day to benefit Sergeant Jasper Golf Club, raising over $7,000 from his efforts.
Ongoing support for Sergeant Jasper from players at all levels of the game has underscored the role that the Congaree Foundation continues to play in the golf community – both locally and around the globe.
The #rechargethesarge campaign was initiated by former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover, a Congaree Professional Ambassador who played the course in April with fellow PGA TOUR stars JT Poston and Davis Love III. These players, alongside Stewart Cink, Harold Varner III and others pledged to donate for every birdie and eagle they scored during the 2021 RBC Heritage. The players raised more than $17,000 that helped pay for a new irrigation system at the club.
Sims, a friend of Glover’s since their days competing against each other in junior golf events, became aware of this initiative when he attended the Palmetto Championship at Congaree in June. He then hatched the idea to use his participation in the Hundred Hole Hike event hosted by the North County Junior Golf Association at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California, to raise money for “The Sarge.” His walking 108-hole round raised over $7,000 through donations submitted via the event’s FUNDRAISING SITE. Sims’ donation, amongst others, will ultimately allow the Congaree Foundation to nurse Sergeant Jasper back to life and offer local high school golf teams the chance to establish a home course at no cost.
“When I heard about The Sarge and its affiliation with the Congaree Foundation, it just seemed like a no brainer to create this fundraiser! Golf has been special in my life and being able to give back by doing something like the 108-hole hike and ultimately giving back to the Jasper County community is what it is all about,” Sims said.
“The Sarge,” which was acquired by the Congaree Foundation in March, aims to make a difference in the lives of local golfers and youth in Jasper County. The club, which has been a staple in the community since the 1960s, will offer an affordable, quality course for local golfers and provide a free home for area high school golf teams. The Congaree Foundation has been blown away by the support for #rechargethesarge and the campaign will surely leave a lasting mark on future generations.
RIDGELAND, South Carolina – The Palmetto Championship at Congaree announced the field for the 2021 event, which will be contested at Congaree Golf Club the week of June 7-13 in Ridgeland, South Carolina.
The 156-player field is headlined by World No. 1 and South Carolina native Dustin Johnson, who will be in search of his first PGA TOUR title in South Carolina. Johnson will be joined by eight-time PGA TOUR winner Brooks Koepka, who is making his first start since a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship.
Notable international stars set to compete at Congaree include World No. 10 Tyrrell Hatton; Korea’s Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim; and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Ian Poulter.
Accepting a Commissioner’s Exemption to compete, 22-year-old Garrick Higgo will make his second career PGA TOUR start (2021 PGA Championship/T64). Higgo has won twice in his last three starts on the European Tour and has ascended to No. 52 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Winner of the Ben Hogan Award for most outstanding male amateur and collegiate golfer of the year and Fred Haskins Award for most outstanding male collegiate golfer, Florida State University product John Pak will make his professional debut alongside University of Georgia standout and 2020-21 SEC Player of the Year Davis Thompson. Pak made the cut as an amateur at the 2020 U.S. Open in his only other PGA TOUR start while Thompson competed in four previous TOUR events as an amateur, highlighted by a T23 at the 2019 RSM Classic.
The Palmetto Championship at Congaree field list as of Friday, June 4 can be viewed at PALMETTOCHAMPIONSHIP.COM.
Tickets are on sale for the Palmetto Championship at Congaree. A Daily Grounds ticket gives access to the grounds at $70 per day, Thursday through Sunday, or $235 for a weekly pass. Daily Youth (under 18), Military Members and First Responders tickets are also on sale for $40 per day, Thursday through Sunday. In addition, a weekly Youth pass is available for $140. Parking is available for $20 per day, or $50 for the week.
To purchase tickets, parking passes, or to register for volunteer opportunities at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree, please visit PALMETTOCHAMPIONSHIP.COM.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Congaree Foundation, whose mission is to positively impact the lives of young people locally and around the globe by providing educational and vocational opportunities through the game of golf. The Congaree Global Golf Initiative is the Foundation’s signature program, which provides underserved and well-deserving high school students who aspire to play collegiate golf access to the highest level of athletic coaching and academic tools to enhance their opportunities for success.
The Foundation also has local partnerships with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County and works to expand access to the game through youth golf instruction and the Sergeant Jasper Golf Club.
Lucas Glover, 2009 U.S. Open champion and three-time winner on the PGA Tour, has created a campaign to raise funds and help revitalize Sergeant Jasper Golf Club, a historic nine-hole course that was acquired by Congraree Foundation earlier this year.
Sergeant Jasper is an extension of Congaree Foundation’s mission to positively impact the lives of young people through the game of golf. Congaree Foundation will provide access to the club for local high school golf teams who will utilize Sergeant Jasper as their home course. In addition to expanding access to the game for students, the course will provide an affordable option for other Lowcountry residents and create jobs that provide an opportunity for individuals to learn new skills to equip them for careers in the region’s booming golf industry.
The campaign, dubbed #rechargethesarge by Glover on Instagram, will see Glover donate $100 for every birdie he makes this week at the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, SC. He will donate $500 for every eagle he makes.
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Davis Love III, two-time U.S. Ryder Cup captain and 21-time winner on the PGA Tour, and J.T. Poston, winner of the 2019 Wyndham Championship, are among other tour professionals who are participating.
“As an Ambassador of Congaree, and someone who is passionate about providing access to the game of golf, the efforts to help and maintain The Sarge are something that are near and dear to my heart,” Glover said. “I’m committed to putting my full energy and support behind it.”
Founded in the late 1960s, Sergeant Jasper Country Club was a world-class 18-hole facility that once hosted the likes of Jack Nicklaus. But through the years, the crowds decreased and the course was downsized to just nine holes.
CONGAREE FOUNDATION acquired the facility and it reopened March 2, 2021. The Sarge quickly has become home to three local high school teams that play at no cost and access to the course will offer an opportunity for other area high schools to create new boys and girls golf programs. The club also plans to host events for the local First Tee chapter.
Since its inception in 2016, Congaree Foundation’s efforts to improve lives through golf stretch well beyond the Lowcountry. In partnership with the award-winning Congaree Golf Club, the Foundation hosts underserved and ambitious high school students for the Congaree Global Golf Initiative.
Students from across the globe participate in an intensive, weeklong camp that provides golf instruction and college admission prep. The Foundation also supports youth golf instruction for area high school students, supports the Lowcountry Food Bank, and has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County to launch a job readiness and career development program for area teens.
Congaree Golf Club, a Tom Fazio-design which opened in 2017 is also located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, about 30 minutes north of Savannah, Georgia. It will host the PGA TOUR’S PALMETTO CHAMPIONSHIP on June 10-13, 2021, the week before the U.S. Open.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 2, 2021) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Congaree Golf Club are pleased to announce that the Palmetto Championship at Congaree, a PGA TOUR event, will take place June 7-13, 2021 in Ridgeland, South Carolina.
The official FedExCup event will field 156 golfers and fills a week left open on the TOUR’s calendar following the decision to cancel the 2021 RBC Canadian Open due to logistical challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The RBC Canadian Open will return to St. George’s Golf and Country Club in 2022.
“South Carolina is open for business and we are proud to have the opportunity to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” Gov. McMaster said. “This nationally televised, elite tournament will give people from around the world a chance to see all that South Carolina has to offer and will jumpstart our tremendous tourism industry. We are grateful to the PGA TOUR and Congaree’s owner, Dan Friedkin, for this opportunity to highlight our great state.”
With more than 300 courses and an annual economic impact in the billons, golf is one of the most important markets in South Carolina’s robust tourism industry. The Palmetto Championship at Congaree joins the list of other significant tournaments in South Carolina in 2021, including the annual RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, the PGA Championship in Kiawah and the annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation in Greenville.
“According to figures from 2019, golf generates an economic impact of $2.6 billion in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director Duane Parrish. “Our world-renowned and locally-loved golf courses will be front-and-center and front-of-mind for golf lovers all over the world for three consecutive months. As golf increases in popularity and the weather gets warmer, this is a perfect and timely opportunity to showcase golf in South Carolina.”
Using existing sports marketing funds, the State’s $6 million investment – coupled with the support of Congaree owner Dan Friedkin – is expected to yield a $53.9 million media value and have an estimated $50 million impact on the South Carolina economy. The tournament will spotlight South Carolina’s Lowcountry and the Congaree Foundation’s commitment to giving back through the game of golf.
Congaree Golf Club was designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio to fit seamlessly into its natural surroundings and complement the Lowcountry landscape. However, it is the club’s central focus on philanthropy, driven by the vision of founders Friedkin and the late Bob McNair, that is revolutionary. The club’s Ambassador Members and the Congaree Foundation provide resources for educational and vocational opportunities to underserved and ambitious youths locally and around the world through a shared passion for golf.
“From day one, our mission has been to bring together individuals that share a philanthropic vision, a love for golf and the belief that Congaree can be a conduit to make a difference in the lives of young people around the world,” Friedkin said. “This tournament will further accelerate our ability to deliver on that mission and also enable the Congaree Foundation to give back to youth in the Lowcountry and beyond in even more meaningful ways.”
The annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation will be hosted in Greenville the same week as the Palmetto Championship at Congaree in Ridgeland, simultaneously highlighting the state’s marshy Lowcountry and mountainous Upstate regions.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation applauds the Congaree Golf Club, the PGA TOUR, and the State of South Carolina for providing this special occasion to showcase our state with two professional golf tournaments at the same time,” said Max Metcalf, board member for the BMW Charity Pro-Am. “Our organizations share in the important mission of giving back to the community. This June, we have the unique opportunity to help facilitate a significant economic impact for our state. We look forward to hosting PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour professionals and visitors, while they enjoy the chance to embrace the distinct attributes of the Lowcountry and the Upstate of South Carolina!”
The 2021 Palmetto Championship at Congaree will be broadcast on CBS, Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE, and internationally on GOLFTV powered by the PGA TOUR.
Please visit HTTPS://WWW.PGATOUR.COM/TOURNAMENTS/PALMETTO-CHAMPIONSHIP-AT-CONGAREE.HTML for details about tickets, sponsorships, volunteering and more.
