Women's Clothing Boutique Near Me Ridgeland, SC

The CJ Cup in South Carolina, a PGA Tour limited-field event, features 15 of the top 20 players in the World Golf Rankings who are competing at Congaree Golf Club. It’s airing on the Golf Channel from 3-6 p.m. daily through Sunday.

Here’s what to know about Congaree:

The Congaree course is located off of Interstate 95 in rural Jasper County in Ridgeland, South Carolina. It’s more than 90 minutes west of Charleston and about an hour north of Savannah, Georgia, and about two hours from Columbia.

It is a private club, and the mission has never been about prestige for themselves. The billionaire businessmen who founded the club wanted to use the golf course in a positive way.

The Congaree Foundation’s top program is the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, a week-long training camp each summer. The program identifies aspiring golf with talent but not necessarily the resources for college golf. Participants get access to elite instructors and the high-quality facilities.

Among other projects is the Sergeant Jasper Golf Club that the club bought in 2021 to provide a home for area high school golf teams.

No. Congaree is a private club that has had only two official members, its founders Dan Friedkin and Bob McNair, the latter a University of South Carolina graduate. McNair, who also owned the NFL’s Houston Texans, died in 2018, leaving the club with one member.

Rather than members, Congaree has approximately 250 “ambassadors,” prominent individual who promote the club while lending time and money to the cause.

No. All 78 players in the field will compete over 72 holes for shares of a $10.5 million purse. The winner earns $1.89 million and $1.134 million goes to second place.

Bruce Davidson, director of golf for The Friedkin Group, and colleague John McNeely had the job of finding a large property for a firm, fast golf course. They first saw the property in 2013 and liked the look of sand.

Davidson said the land reminded him of Pinehurst No. 2 and Pine Valley. Others have linked the property to Royal Melbourne in the Australian sand belt.

“We thought, ‘No, it can’t be. We can’t be this lucky,’ ” Davidson said. “I don’t know what happened hundreds of millions of years ago, but the sea was probably there and left the deposit of sand.”

TICO, located in Ridgeland, SC, is sparking industry with emission-free, electric vehicle (EV) solution

Special to Bluffton Today

At TICO, you can feel the energy pulsing through the plant. It seems….electric.

And soon, it will be electric.

Terminal Investment Corporation (TICO) began in 1946 as an inter-city bus transportation business by the Booker family in Savannah, Georgia. Over the next seven decades with two generations of family at the helm, the business evolved.

In the early 1970s, Randall S. “Randy” Booker, chairman and CEO of TICO, recognized an opportunity and developed a concept through which TICO could own and operate its tractors and lease them for port operations. This would allow the ports to have continually dependable vehicles without the burden of owning and maintaining them. TICO began building tractors to move containers around at the nation's busiest ports.

"This innovation has proved to be a critical aspect in the successes recorded by numerous ports,” according to TICO’s website.

“We are a pretty unique business,” said Mallery Pindar, TICO’s director of sales, marketing and commercial development. “Our products were born out of necessity.”

TICO’s leadership looked for a location and found it in Ridgeland. Booker said recently, “We selected the Ridgeland site in 2004 because we saw long-term value in the rural workforce concept. Today, with the largest private workforce in Jasper County, we are immensely proud of the men and women who drive a culture of safety, quality and productivity.”

In 2008, TICO entered the retail market, selling to businesses and industries that were also in need of specialized vehicles. “The tractors were built by people who not only run them but also understand the customer support side.”

This has led TICO to become the second-largest provider in the industry in a relatively short time, said Pindar. The majority of TICO’s annual production volume is sold through its growing North American dealer network, with the balance of production being National Fleet Accounts and TICO’s internal port operations.

“Our dealer networks are critically important,” said Pindar.

Like electricity, the company isn’t sitting still. “While we are second at the moment, we have a world domination scheme,” he said with a smile.

That includes the introduction of an electric version of their tractors. TICO teamed up with Volvo-Penta to create a new model, the TICO Pro-Spotter Electric.

The Pro-Spotter Electric is an emission-free electric vehicle (EV), powered by Volvo Penta’s electric driveline, according to company promotional documents. “Full battery capacity can be reached in 40 minutes with a 150-kW charger. The design delivers faster acceleration, instant torque, improved efficiency and optimized utilization of energy. Additionally, the Pro-Spotter Electric was designed with the operator in mind for enhanced comfort and a better driving experience.”

“TICO is pairing customers with approved charger vendors so the technology does not restrict the end-user to a proprietary charging solution (unlike some of our competition), rather uses the CCS-1 standard charging protocol for the US,” said Pindar.

Booker added, “Our success in the market validates and drives the capital investments we are committing to future growth. Our team is gearing up to embark on full production of electric trucks in the next successful chapter of TICO Manufacturing.”

The new electric vehicle was showcased on Feb. 27 in Orlando, Florida, at the Transportation and Technology Exhibition. Orders are now being taken.

Daryl Berryman, senior director of engineering, research & development, and quality said, “The demand for electrification is in all the markets and applications we support. It’s the natural evolution of transportation and goods movement. With our partner, Volvo Penta, we’ve developed the best and most efficient EV solution for our customers. The new product has the benefits of eliminated fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and improved uptime.”

Pindar said the move to electric vehicles is four-fold. “First, there is a lot of regulatory pressure and some states are taxing industries to reduce their emissions. Second, some of our customers are leading the charge for sustainability and having a cleaner fleet. Third, there are subsidies being offered to purchase electric vehicles. And fourth, diesel engines are increasingly more complicated and costly to build. If our customers can get great funding and less operating costs, then this an obvious ‘win-win’.”

TICO leadership didn’t want to rush into a new product. “We wanted to hold out for the best solution,” said Pindar. They didn’t want to create a product that was put together piecemeal. They wanted something special that would combine ''TICO’s tractor design with the electric Volvo electrobility technology and driveline.''

The real spark was in 2020 when TICO met with Volvo Penta. Volvo was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Goteborg, Sweden. Volvo acquired Penta in 1935 and Volvo Penta has been part of the Volvo Group since then. It provides complete power systems to the marine industry, power-generating equipment, and similar industrial applications.

In 2021, TICO and Volvo Penta formed a full partnership. “It has been a transformational partnership,” said Pindar.

“Volvo Penta has a vision to be a leader in sustainable power solutions, and TICO is a very important part of this transformational journey,” said Darren Tasker, vice president of industrial at Volvo Penta North America.

“Partnering with TICO on our project to introduce an emission-free, electric terminal tractor leverages Volvo Group technology and Volvo Penta’s experience and full-system approach to the electric driveline — from development to installation — and TICO’s manufacturing capabilities and extensive customer service and support. We are growing and innovating together to secure market position and achieve a technologically advanced powertrain portfolio.”

“Volvo has proven technology,” said Pindar. “We use all Volvo components plus the support.”

“It is important to know that our trucks are not just being redesigned. This is a proven driveline solution,” said Pindar.

Locally, the new product line is having an impact. “We have beefed up our engineering resources. We’ve had to staff up to build the prototype vehicles. We will have changes in our assembly line – tooling and staff training.”

The expansion of the facility is being determined. “This facility will build about two times as many vehicles in near future as we did this past year,” said Pindar. “We are doubling our production.”

“The high-voltage components will be installed by select, highly-trained employees,” said Pindar.

Currently, there are about 300 employees working at the Ridgeland facility.

“TICO has invested in the people of our region, providing great job opportunities while manufacturing a state-of-the-art vehicle,” said Kay Maxwell, Vice President of SouthernCarolina Alliance, the regional economic development organization representing Jasper County and six other counties. “We are proud of the role that TICO plays in their industry sector, and now we have even more to tout in Jasper County as TICO has brought more innovation to the table in the EV market.”

Jim Grooms, chief operating officer, said, “TICO Manufacturing is excited about adding an Electric Terminal Tractor to our existing lineup of industry-leading products. EV benefits are far-reaching, benefiting the environment and customer operations. Our workforce is energized by the new challenge of building an electric vehicle and to be a part of providing such an important capability to the marketplace.”

"The change has been complex but we are getting there as a team,” said Pindar.

“It’s an exciting time to be on our TICO teams,” he said. “TICO has something special going on. Growth is off the charts. We are a force to be reckoned with in the terminal trucking industry.”

Laura J. McKenzie is a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) volunteer with SouthernCarolina Alliance, a 7-county regional development alliance in South Carolina.

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Rory McIlroy will be hitting the links in the Lowcountry.

The defending CJ CUP champion will defend his title in October at the Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, S.C.

“So far, the commitments are really coming very nicely and we’re looking forward to having the best golfers in the world playing here. I’ll take the opportunity to say four-time major winner and FexEx Cup Champion for 2022 will be here,” CJ CUP Tournament Director Andre Silva said.

The tournament was launched as Korea’s first official PGA Tour tournament in 2017. It was relocated to the United States due to the challenges of COVID-19.

This will be the first time the CJ CUP will be played in the Southeast region of the U.S. following the staging of the tournament in Las Vegas, first at Shadow Creek Golf Course in 2020 and The Summit Club in 2021.

The field will be capped at 78 players so there won’t be a cut. The top 60 players in the FedEx standings will be invited to play.

Congaree Ambassador and TOUR Member JT Poston said it is a tough course, and should play differently than last summer given the time of year, but he says other players are excited to come to Ridgeland.

“It’ll present a challenge that most guys are not used to dealing with early on in the week trying to get ready for a tournament,” Poston said.

The tournament will be played the week of October 17-23.

After the success of the Palmetto Championship last summer, officials say that PGA TOUR players are excited to return to Jasper County for the CJ CUP next month. The golf club hosted the Palmetto Championship which replaced the RBC Canadian that year due to COVID.

South Carolina Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism says that COVID has actually caused the financial impact of golf to grow. In the Palmetto State last year, the sport had a $3.3 billion economic impact.

This will be the third professional event in the state this year, including a Korn Ferry Tour event in the upstate and the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island.

To purchase tickets or parking passes, or to register for volunteer opportunities at THE CJ CUP in South Carolina, please visit CJCUPSouthCarolina.com.

Copyright 2022 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Two celebrity guests known for their specialized work on cars and other vehicles will be appearing at a weekend event in Ridgeland to benefit a local charity.

Caring Hearts of South Carolina will host a car, truck, jeep and bike show on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camping World, 401 Sycamore Drive in Ridgeland.

Featured will be Michael Henry, also known as "Horny Mike," and Shannon Aikau, from History Channel's "Counting Cars." Henry is an airbrush painter who earned his nickname due to the three-dimensional horns he creates for various motorcycles and other vehicles. Aikau is a lead builder and bike shop manager of Count's Creations in Las Vegas.

There will be a meet-and-greet with Henry and Aikau from 6-9 p.m. May 5 at Legacy Oaks Preserve, 328 Lakeview Drive in Ridgeland, featuring dinner and a band. Tickets, at $75 each, or $125 for couples, are limited. For more information, call 843-305-0141.

Both celebrities will be available Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for autographs. The show is free to spectators, but donations are welcome.

"Caring Hearts of SC is a nonprofit that was founded in August 2022," said Chelsea Brendlen, who founded the organization with her husband, Barry. "We grant wishes of people dealing with a critical illness or serious injury."

Other events planned for Saturday will include a brisket cookoff, appearances by first-responder vehicles from local and neighboring agencies, food trucks, concessions, and a DJ. Caring Hearts of SC will also raffle off a boat that was donated by Hargray.

There is a $20 pre-registration fee for those interested in entering the show; more information is at www.caringheartsofsc.com. Event-day registration will cost $25 and begin at 7 a.m. Judging will take place from noon until 2 p.m. in several categories with prizes awarded.

Part of the money raised from the Caring Hearts of SC - Car, Truck, Jeep & Bike Show will go to the family of Bluffton resident Ethan Shell. He is a 16-year-old who was born prematurely, causing health issues that led to a diagnosis with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Brendlen said.

Caring Hearts of SC has plans to remodel Ethan's bathroom to make it handicap-accessible, Brendlen said. Additional funds raised will help other local families in need.

"Despite everything Ethan has been through, he is an incredibly happy and social child," Brendlen said. "Ethan has so much potential to live his best quality life if he has access to the care needed. Insurance and treatment facilities are the biggest problems he faces trying to get care. Insurance only covers a small portion of his care and fights most charges."

Barry and Chelsea Brendlen founded the nonprofit organization last year as a way to give back to the community. The couple has also had a large display of Christmas lights at their home for many years that allows those who visit to give donations to help local children and families in need.

"We hope everyone will attend the event and help us help local families in need," Chelsea Brendlen said. "We appreciate all of our sponsors and everyone who is helping to make this event possible."

The Beaufort County family of a 67-year-old dementia patient is still reeling after the man managed to leave a Ridgeland hospice facility and drive the company owner’s unlocked car miles down the highway Tuesday afternoon, arriving at his families’ neighborhood confused and disoriented.

“It was the best case scenario,” said Olivia Shultz, the patient’s daughter. Her father, who stopped driving after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2021, was uninjured in the incident, she said, and the car did not appear to have crashed on the nearly five-mile route to Sun City.

Even still, Shultz says the situation reflects a security issue at Friends of Caroline Hospice, located off S.C. 170 in Jasper County. Although the family cannot pursue legal action against the facility due to a lack of monetary losses, she says her father’s escape — and the amount of time his absence went unnoticed among staff — is troubling.

“If you know someone has dementia, why wouldn’t you be more on guard?” Shultz told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She said Tuesday was the first time her father had wandered away from anywhere since his dementia diagnosis more than two years ago.

Lindsay Roberg, the president and CEO of Friends of Caroline Hospice, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Shultz dropped her father off at Friends of Caroline just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, planning to go shopping on Hilton Head with family before picking him up that evening. They had entrusted him to the facility once before in June, she said.

But around 2:30 that afternoon, Shultz got a call from Bluffton firefighters. Her father was at the Tidewatch Drive gate of Sun City, where the family lives, and appeared not to remember where he was or how he got there. Sun City security initially flagged down the man’s vehicle after noticing his car did not have an entrance decal.

“He wanted to go home, so he walked out the door,” Shultz said.

The car her father used in the attempt to drive home was registered to Roberg, the family soon discovered. The owner’s Forerunner had been left unlocked outside the Friends of Caroline facility with a spare set of keys inside, Shultz said, allowing her father to get inside and drive off.

Roberg later arrived to the scene, claiming her car and apologizing to the family, Shultz said.

The bulk of the family’s questions about Tuesday’s incident remain unanswered — how often their father had been checked on that afternoon, which door of the facility he walked out of, how long he was gone before staff noticed — but Shultz says the incident has damaged their trust in the company. They’ve now started the long process of updating their hospice and respite plans to find new caretakers for her father, she said.

“It was a traumatic experience for us all,” Shultz said. “I woudn’t want anyone else to have that same experience.”

This story was originally published July 23, 2023, 6:00 AM.