Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and the Congaree Golf Club are pleased to announce that the Palmetto Championship in Congaree, a PGA TOUR event, will take place from June 7 to 13, 2021 in Ridgeland, South Carolina.
The official FedExCup event will host 156 players and will occupy an open week on the TOUR calendar after 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,” said Governor McMaster. “This elite tournament, broadcast on national television, will give people from all over the world a chance to see everything South Carolina has to offer and will give our tremendous tourism industry a boost. We thank PGA TOUR and the owner of Congaree, Dan Friedkin, for this opportunity to highlight our excellent condition. “
With over 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 in Congaree joins the list of other major tournaments in South Carolina in 2021, including the annual RBC Heritage at Hilton Head, the PGA Championship in Kiawah and the annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation in Greenville.
“According to the 2019 numbers, golf has an economic impact of $ 2.6 billion in South Carolina,” said Duane Parrish, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. “Our golf courses in South Carolina world renowned and locally loved ones will be in front and center and in front of the mind for golf lovers around the world for three consecutive months. As golf’s popularity increases 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 – along with support from Congaree owner Dan Friedkin – is expected to yield a media value of $ 53.9 million and have an estimated US impact. $ 50 million in South Carolina’s economy. The tournament will highlight South Carolina’s Lowcountry and the Congaree Foundation’s commitment to giving back through golf.
The Congaree Golf Club was designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio to fit perfectly into its natural environment 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, who is revolutionary. Club Ambassador Members and the Congaree Foundation provide resources for educational and vocational opportunities for underprivileged and ambitious young people locally and around the world through a shared passion for golf.
“From day one, our mission has been to bring together individuals who share a philanthropic vision, love of golf and the belief that Congaree can be a channel to make a difference in the lives of young people around the world,” said Friedkin. “This tournament will further accelerate our ability to fulfill that mission and also allow the Congaree Foundation to reward young people in Lowcountry and beyond in even more significant ways.”
The annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation will be held in Greenville in the same week as the Palmetto Championship at Congaree in Ridgeland, simultaneously highlighting the Lowcountry marshlands and the mountains of the state’s interior.
“While we celebrate our 20º anniversary, the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation applauds Congaree Golf Club, 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 of the BMW Charity Pro-Am. “Our organizations share the important mission of giving back to the community. This June, we have a unique opportunity to help facilitate a significant economic impact for our state. We look forward to welcoming professionals and visitors from the PGA TOUR and the Korn Ferry Tour, while they take the chance to embrace the distinctive attributes of Lowcountry and the interior of South Carolina! “
The 2021 Palmetto Championship in Congaree will be broadcast on CBS, Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE, and internationally on GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR.