A new TOUR event will visit Congaree, a club with a mission

Announcement guarantees the state of South Carolina will host three PGA TOUR sanctioned events in 2021, including the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head the week of April 8-11, as well as the Korn Ferry’s BMW Charity Pro-Am Tour presented by SYNNEX Corporation. in Greer the week of June 10 to 13.

More impressive than Fazio’s design in the South Carolina Lowcountry is his charitable mission. The club opened with just two members – Dan Friedkin and the late Bob McNair, who owned the Houston Texans. Instead of members, the club invites “ambassadors” to join. These business and golf personalities don’t pay a lot of dues. Instead, they volunteer their time for mentoring opportunities.

The annual Congaree Global Golf Initiative identifies dozens of high school students from around the world who have the talent to play college golf but lack the financial or social advantage of some of their peers. They are brought to Congaree for an intense week-long program that includes a mix of educational and golf instruction, with lessons in everything from college prep to club adjustment. Congaree counselors and counselors help students complete high school and enter university.

“Sir. Friedkin’s vision was for Congaree to bring together like-minded people who played golf, loved golf and realized that a service club was a way to make a difference in the lives of children,” says Bruce Davidson , a professional PGA Master who now serves as Director of Golf for The Friedkin Group.

The field will consist of 156 players, and a limited number of spectators is expected daily. All logistics and on-site preparation will be managed by TOUR, with the support of Congaree and the Friedkin group.

The main beneficiary of the tournament will be the Congaree Foundation whose mission is “to have a positive impact on the lives of young people around the world by offering them educational and professional opportunities through golf”. The Congaree Global Golf Initiative is the foundation’s flagship program. It 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 golf instruction for youth and the Sergeant Jasper Golf Club.