17-04-2025
History behind the RBC Heritage
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) — The RBC Heritage has long been known to have put Hilton Head on the map over 50 years ago.
The RBC Heritage, casually called the Heritage, has been a PGA Tours staple at Harbour Town Golf Links since 1969 when Arnold Palmer won. While Palmer helped put the tournament on the map, Davis Love II holds the record for Heritage with five wins over the years.
It is the only PGA Tour event in South Carolina and follows right behind the Augusta National's Masters. It was also one of the first tournaments that signed up for the PGA Tour when it broke off from the PGA of America.
RBC Heritage used to be held in November, but was later moved to September, then March before eventually landing on mid-April.
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines was designed by Pete Dye, with assistance from Jack Nicklaus, who won the tournament in 1975. The course is considered Nicklaus' first design.
It's a tournament rooted in tradition, with the tee shot accompanying a cannon into the Calibogue Sound and Heritage Classic Foundation Board members, volunteers and state dignitaries' parading around the Harbour Town Yacht Basin to kick off the celebrations.
The winner is awarded a tartan jacket, and many spectators will rep the red plaid to show their support. They call themselves Plaid Nation, which can be seen on social media through the tournament.
The event is hosted by the Heritage Classic Foundation, which donates tournament proceeds to charitable organizations in the Lowcountry, including sending local students to college.
As of 2025, the foundation had distributed $56.9 million throughout South Carolina and Georgia since 1987. Around $4 million was distributed in 2024 to the arts, medical institutions and college scholarships.
Drawing in around 100,000 people annually, the event pumped around $135 million into South Carolina's economy in 2024.
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