One of the most exciting events associated with Hilton Head Island for the past 51 years has been the RBC Heritage PGA golf tournament. This event that takes place attracts people from all different age groups providing a week long of fun in the sun that won't be forgotten! In the spirit of reminiscing on some great heritage memories I decided to ask one of my best friends from college to reflect on his first Heritage experience!
When most people think of their favorite golf tournament in April, one word comes to mind: Masters. Those same people are the ones who have never visited Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, SC the very next weekend. Have you ever driven your boat to the Masters? No? Didn’t think so. It’s hard to beat the feeling of parking a boat in the Harbor Town Marina next to a yacht throwing an on-deck “tailgate” that would make any SEC fan proud, all while attending a PGA tournament.
Watching this quiet beach town become a golf-centered paradise island marks the beginning of mine (and many other’s) favorite week of the spring: Heritage Week. Hilton Head Island swells with friends and family who have all come to be a part of the 135,000 attendees of the RBC Heritage Tournament. Every rental property on the island is filled with spectators looking for a great week. RBC Heritage is a unique PGA tournament simply because it offers so much more than just golf. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching the superstars of the PGA play one of the most beautiful courses on tour, but this tournament really has something for everyone: incredible restaurants, nightlife (go visit The Triangle one night), fishing, aforementioned yacht-tailgates, cookouts, the Tito’s tent/lawn, local concerts, and more.
As much fun as everything surrounding this tournament is, I don’t want to take away from the golf. The field of golfers impresses year after year. This is in part due to the fact that it is considered a favorite tournament by much of the tour. Often the golfers will bring their families and friends to enjoy all of the festivities during the week. The tournament director, Hilton Head’s own Steve Wilmot, brings improvements to the tournament every year and always puts on a spectacular production.
Very much to my dismay, Heritage 2020 will be played without fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I know that this is for the safety and well-being of the fans and players, but I am disappointed to not be greenside at 18 with a Bloody Mary in hand on Sunday. With that being said, I will see you there in 2021!
Charlie Sutherland
Auburn University Biomedical Sciences
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