40th Annual Jernigan Memorial Golf Tournament to help Piedmont Augusta change the course of lung cancer

Augusta, Ga. (March 11, 2026) – Piedmont Augusta Foundation will tee off its 40th annual Jernigan Memorial Golf Tournament May 4 at Woodside Plantation Golf Club in Aiken, S.C.

The tournament is named for Harry W. Jernigan Jr., who founded University Health Care Foundation in 1978 to provide for the special needs of patients. Funds raised in this year’s tournament benefit Piedmont Augusta’s Lung Cancer Program, providing low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screenings for underinsured and uninsured individuals. This includes screening costs, physician interpretation and follow-up visits, care coordination and navigation support, and patient education related to lung health and screening.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but early detection through LDCT significantly improves survival outcomes and reduces long-term treatment costs. Piedmont Augusta is committed to “stage shifting” lung cancer, effectively increasing the percentage of lung cancers being diagnosed in the early stages, leading to substantially improved survival rates.

The tournament will kick off with an opening celebration on Sunday, May 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Episcopal Day School Flowing Wells Campus Pavilion in Augusta, Ga. This event is for golfers and non-golfers alike and will include catering provided by Midtown Tavern, live music from The Mason Jars, a silent auction, and inspiration from lung cancer caregivers and patients. Tickets for the celebration are $75 per person.

The tournament will be played at The Reserve and Woodside Country Clubs, both within Woodside Plantation in Aiken.

“We remain committed to ensuring that 100% of funds raised at this annual event go directly to assisting Piedmont Augusta Hub patients with the high quality, patient-centered care they deserve,” said Anne Catherine Murray, Executive Director of Philanthropy at Piedmont Augusta.

To learn more about participation and sponsorships, please visit give.piedmont.org/Jernigan, call the Foundation at 706-667-0030 or e-mail Taylor Fulp at taylor.fulp@piedmont.org.