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Columbia, S.C. – 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 billions, 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.

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South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is a cabinet agency assigned to operate and manage South Carolina's 47 state parks, market the state as a preferred vacation destination and provide assistance to communities to develop recreation assets. Its vision is to enhance the economic well-being and improve the quality of life of all South Carolinians.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From assisting with the location of new sites and buildings to offering grants for community development and infrastructure improvement, the South Carolina Department of Commerce is here to help grow new and existing businesses. SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training.

Congaree Foundation

The Congaree Foundation provides resources for educational and vocational opportunities to help shape the lives of underserved and ambitious youths who share a passion for golf. Its signature program is the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, an immersive collegiate preparatory curriculum tailored toward high school students in the U.S. and internationally. Participants come to Congaree each summer and work with educators, guidance counselors and golf instructors to advance their preparation for the college admissions process and prepare them for success in life. In the Lowcountry, Congaree Foundation operates a number of programs and partnerships with valuable community organizations including Lowcountry Food Bank and Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County. The Foundation also works increase access to the game of golf for area students through youth golf instruction programs and Sergeant Jasper Golf Club.

The Friedkin Group

The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit www.friedkin.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

• Sam Queen, Director of Corporate Communications, SCPRT, 803-767-3568, sam@scprt.com
• Chris Talley, Talley Communication Strategies representing Congaree Golf Club, 210-464-4600, chris@talleycommunicationstrategies.com
• Stewart Moore, Senior Director of Communications, PGA TOUR, 904-540-2765, stewartmoore@pgatourhq.com