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Columbia, S.C. – As golf is surging in popularity around the country, state and industry leaders are pleased to welcome the PGA TOUR to Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland for THE CJ CUP in South Carolina the week of October 17-23.

This will be the tournament’s first Southeast appearance after launching in Korea in 2017 and spending the last two years in Las Vegas. THE CJ CUP in South Carolina will be the second PGA TOUR event ever hosted at the esteemed Congaree Golf Club following the 2021 Palmetto Championship.

“Last year, South Carolina made the strategic decision to host the historic Palmetto Championship at Congaree, and the regional economy and statewide golf industry benefited tremendously,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “This year, we have another unique opportunity to show viewers around the world what makes South Carolina special, and we look forward to doing that alongside the CJ Group, the PGA TOUR, and Congaree in October.”

2021 was a banner year for South Carolina’s robust golf industry. In addition to hosting the Palmetto Championship at Congaree that replaced the canceled RBC Canadian Open, South Carolina also hosted the PGA Championship in Kiawah, the annual RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, and the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation in Greenville.

According to data available through May 2022, the Palmetto State is currently leading the nation in year-to-date growth in golf rounds.

“In 2021, golf had a $3.3 billion impact on the Palmetto State,” said South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) Director Duane Parrish. “In South Carolina, fall is just a cooler kind of summer, making October a fantastic time to host this tournament and showcase our state. Golfers can tee off year-round on our more than 300 courses from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to beaches of the Atlantic coast, making golf a critical component of our state’s robust tourism industry. We’re thrilled to welcome the PGA TOUR back to Congaree, and we look forward to sharing the course’s iconic Lowcountry views, ancient oaks, and challenging sandy expanses with viewers around the world.”

While the CJ Group is the title sponsor of the tournament, South Carolina will serve as the tournament’s presenting sponsor thanks to the $5 million lawmakers added to SCPRT’s FY23 budget for this purpose. The investment is expected to yield a nearly $54 million media value, with 32 Discover South Carolina ad spots playing throughout the broadcast, and have an estimated $80 million economic impact on the region. The tournament will spotlight South Carolina as a travel destination and the Congaree Foundation’s commitment to giving back through the game of golf.

“We are excited to once again host the PGA TOUR at the Congaree Golf Club,” said SC Secretary of Commerce, Harry M. Lightsey III. “THE CJ CUP represents a unique opportunity to showcase South Carolina to a global audience, reinforcing our state’s livability which is a pivotal piece of the economic development puzzle.”

Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio and ranked No. 39 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, Congaree is a unique course with a philanthropic mission at its heart. Driven by the vision of founders Dan Friedkin and the late Bob McNair, the club works to positively impact the lives of young people through golf. The club’s Ambassadors and the Congaree Foundation provide resources for educational, mentorship, and vocational opportunities to underserved and ambitious youths locally and around the world through a shared passion for the game.

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.

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Pictured left to right: Bruce Davidson, Director of Golf for the Friedkin Group, Congaree Golf Club; Terry Sedalik, Executive Director, South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association; Governor Henry McMaster; Duane Parrish, Director, SCPRT; Ashely Teasdel, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, SC Commerce.

View the Economic Impact of Golf in South Carolina data sheet.

View photos from the July 6, 2022 press conference.

About 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 state parks, market the state as a preferred vacation destination, and provide assistance to communities to develop recreation assets. Explore all of the great golf, rich history, sandy beaches, and family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer at DiscoverSouthCarolina.com.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit sccommerce.com.

About Congaree Foundation

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 to increase access to the game of golf for area students through youth golf instruction programs and Sergeant Jasper Golf Club.

About 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 friedkin.com.