At this point in the year, golf season is officially in full swing. One way that the Congaree Foundation is ushering in golf season is by welcoming a new class of students to its longstanding signature program, The Congaree Global Golf Initiative (CGGI).
Founded in 2017, CGGI is an immersive collegiate preparatory curriculum and golf coaching platform tailored to serving both U.S. and international high school students. Each summer, the Congaree Foundation welcomes underserved and ambitious high school students who aspire to play collegiate golf to participate in weeklong camps held at Congaree Golf Club and at partner facilities in Scotland. While there, program participants receive access to elite instructors, academic counseling seminars, and high-quality facilities—to help enhance their opportunities for success through school and beyond.
Now in its tenth year, CGGI is continuing to advance its mission to broaden access to collegiate golf with this latest cohort. This year, Congaree has extended invitations to over 80 exceptional young students from around the world—who represent the program’s largest and most internationally diverse group to date.
While most participants are U.S.-based (62 of 84 students, ~74%), the program draws talent from more than 16 countries across five continents, including South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The class of 2026 includes students from 17 U.S. states, with first-time representation from Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, and New Mexico, and from 16 countries, including first-time representation from Colombia, Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, and Thailand.
“We are thrilled to welcome each participant to the CGGI family this summer, and we look forward to helping this talented, diverse, and deeply deserving group of students deepen their skills, networks, and career readiness,” said Ben Grandy, Congaree Foundation Executive Director. “As our largest class ever, this cohort represents a new milestone for CGGI, the Congaree Foundation, and The Friedkin Group, and we’re excited to be taking this program – and its participants – to even greater heights this year.”
With each student, CGGI makes a 10-year investment in their journey from high school to early career, providing support across college readiness and placement, mentorship, networking opportunities, and more. The program utilizes the power of education and relationships to inspire the next generation of leaders who have an opportunity to impact the business, philanthropic, and golf sectors.
CGGI and the entire team at the Congaree Foundation are eager to welcome this year’s class and help the next generation of golfers grow, le
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