RBC Heritage Golf Tournament arrives April 15th on Hilton Head

The 57th Annual RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, a major PGA Event, will again be played this year on April 15 through 20 at the Sea Pines course on Hilton head Island, SC.

The RBC Heritage is held the week after the Masters, and the original purse of $100,000 ($770,000 in today’s dollars) has jumped to $20 million. A popular spot on the PGA for leading golfers, due to Hilton Head Island’s casual and enjoyable amenities for their families, many of the leading pros on the tour participate. More than 100,000 fans from around the nation and the world attended the event in 2024 and it is estimated that the weeklong event brings around $ 134.9 million in additional revenue to the state each year.

Known as South Carolinas premiere PGA Tour event, the RBC Heritage has been played on Hilton Head Island since 1969. Its host, the Heritage Classic Foundation, donates tournament proceeds to charitable organizations in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

$ 56.9 million was distributed to those in need throughout South Carolina and Georgia since 1987. $ 3.39 million was distributed in 2024 to charitable organizations, the arts, medical institutions and for college scholarships.

Hilton Head Island golf courses have a rich history and are known around the world for challenging play and outstanding amenities. But in 1969, Hilton Head island was just a little known Lowcountry treasure.

So when Charles Fraser announced a PGA tour level event would be held at the newly created Harbour Town Golf Links people had their doubts. But when both top golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus committed to play the golf community realized it was a serious and important community.

Charles Fraser also drew national attention to his new development and event when Life magazine displayed a dramatic cover photo of Frazier walking an alligator on a leash. 

The event is televised each year on the Golf Channel with the final two weekend rounds broadcast on CBS TV. More complete event and ticket purchase information can be found on rbcheritage.com.

Kylie Emmens is a senior collegiate scholar athlete at Rider University in New Jersey studying communications.