August Gustav Swarat

Augie Swarat, as he was known to his many friends and colleagues, was born and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. The son of German immigrants who came to America in an arranged marriage between two families in the 1920s.

He went to New Haven area schools, studied to be an electrician at the behest of his father, and took some courses at the University of Connecticut. However, he always gravitated toward sports, playing semi-professional football and baseball before deciding on a career in golf.

He excelled as a golfer, competing in regional events in the New England area, winning the Connecticut Four Ball Championship, a two-man team competition. However, his plans were put on hold when he was called up for military duty, serving in the Army Signal Corps and, later, the Army Reserves. He was a proud Veteran.

In 1958, he enrolled in the Professional Golfers Association school and befriended a gentleman from Raleigh, North Carolina, Maurice Brackett, who offered him a job as an assistant golf professional. In Raleigh, he gave golf lessons to many aspiring golfers, including a beautiful student at the University of North Carolina, who would become his wife, Jacky.

Later, they would move to a fledgling tourist town, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he assumed the helm of Pine Lakes International Country Club and they started a family. He was instrumental in moving the golf industry forward in his new role, developing programs for juniors, starting the Myrtle Beach High School golf team, which he coached, and partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders to grow the game of golf in Myrtle Beach. In total, in various stages of his life, he served the golf industry for approximately 30 years along what is known as the Grand Strand area of South Carolina.

He also was involved in multiple golf operations as a head golf professional, consultant, manager and in a teaching capacity, serving at Rain Tree Country Club, River North Country Club, Linville Ridge, Riviera Country Club, Grey Rock Golf Club, the Reserve Club and others. He worked with, taught and befriended many of life’s characters along the way, including industry leaders, golfing legends and celebrities. He shared his passion for golf with all he encountered.

He was a person of faith, serving as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and attending Lake Murray Presbyterian Church in his later years.

He is survived by his loving sister, Gertrude Swarat Zastrow; son, August G. Swarat, II; daughter, Danielle Swarat Crosby; grandsons, Christopher Theus Crosby, Jr., Joseph Wyman Crosby and August G. Swarat, III; granddaughters, Lindsay Witherspoon Swarat and Preston Scarborough Swarat; stepchildren, Fritz Buchanan Roberts, Lisa Roberts Hamm, Daisy Roberts Anthony and their mother, Petey Roberts Hughes. He also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. He was devoted to his family.

Services will be conducted at a later date, according to his specific instructions. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an appropriate charity or Veteran’s organization of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Swarat family.