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.