Volunteers: The heartbeat of Heritage at Harbour Town
The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, a PGA Signature Tour event, began in 1969 at the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It’s a community-driven celebration made possible by the extraordinary efforts of dedicated volunteers.
RBC Heritage Volunteer Force
From April 14th to the 20th - 1500 volunteers will come from all walks of life—locals who call Hilton Head or Bluffton home, seasonal residents and visitors who travel specifically to lend their time. They fill a long list of roles, ranging from course marshals maintaining order and safety on the greens to hospitality volunteers ensuring corporate guests enjoy an exceptional experience. Others manage parking, assist with concessions, provide player support and help facilitate transportation logistics. Their work extends far beyond the golf course, encompassing tasks supporting the media, tournament staff and fans.
What do the volunteers say about their experiences?
Omer Waddles, Shotlink Mobile Spotter Chairman
“What I love most about volunteering is collaborating with the incredible people involved. Contributing to the Island’s success and being part of its support system gives me a great sense of pride. Working alongside such a fantastic team of volunteers creates a sense of unity. Together, we embody the spirit of this event, sharing its significant contributions to the SC economy and charitable organizations.”
Jan Kirk, Walking Scorer and Gallery Management
“Volunteering for The RBC Heritage has offered me an exciting opportunity to be truly immersed in the heart of the action and witness, upfront, the world’s most competitive players!
More importantly, volunteering for this prestigious event has provided a fun and fulfilling experience of being a small “team player” in support of the RBC’s exceptional impact and contributions to our local community and its worthy charities! It has been truly an honor!”
Phil Hartman, Chair of Safe Haven
“Volunteering for the RBC Heritage has been a rewarding experience. You work with and develop friendships with volunteers from all across the USA and meet some very interesting fans.
The tournament raises millions of dollars to help local residents with support for medical, childcare, recreation, and food bank programs, to name just a few.
The Safe Haven Committee is responsible for providing shelter for volunteers and evacuation of golfers in case of inclement weather. Thirteen homeowners open their homes to volunteers for seven days. Over sixty Safe Haven volunteers are ready to ensure that over fifteen hundred volunteers and players have a safe place to shelter. I must add that the Safe Haven volunteers are the best volunteers at the tournament and that volunteer coordinators Sarah Sofia and Will Copeland deserve much credit for orchestrating this event!”
The Impact of Volunteers on the Tournament’s Success
Everyone has roles to play, schedules to follow, equipment and materials to order and secure, places to be, people to see, rules to memorize and enforce—it’s not just a big job putting on that pretty hospitality face—it’s colossal. There are those who make important decisions about how to deal with anything and everything that can go wrong: unruly nature, miscommunication, misunderstandings, missing people, late deliveries.
Yes, there are people with plans in place for those pesky potential party pooper problems. (can’t resist opportunities for alliteration)
But the biggest heroes are the ones who follow the plans, with smiles on their faces. I was a volunteer many years ago - not one of the RBC Plaid Nation super elves, but I was a volunteer at the Sea Pines Montessori’s concession. I’m in awe of volunteers who work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in two 4-hour shifts for at least four days. I was worn out after only one day!
More than a golf tournament
There is a community aspect to the tournament that cannot be missed, whether it’s the corps of volunteers, spectators who return year-after-year, or the impact it has on our community.
“The RBC Heritage has been a can’t-miss event for our family for over 40 years. What started as a fun day of golf with my husband has grown into a cherished tradition with our children and their spouses. Serving on the Board of Trustees for the Heritage Classic Foundation has given me an even deeper appreciation for what this event means. It’s more than just a world-class golf tournament; it’s a powerful way to give back, raising much-needed funds reinvested into our community and state,” said Lisa Sulka, Heritage Classic Board of Trustees, 2008-2023 Mayor of Bluffton, SC “The RBC Heritage features a larger purse and no cut, but what truly makes it special is its purpose—supporting the Heritage Classic Foundation and its charitable initiatives.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this tournament is the scholarship program it funds, providing four-year scholarships for students in Beaufort and Jasper counties. That’s just one example of how the RBC Heritage lifts up lives right here in South Carolina.”
What Not to Miss:
At noon on April 15th, the National Anthem will be sung by Stee, a favorite homeboy from Bluffton and a finalist in Season 24 of The Voice. The opening ceremonies end, unlike any other tournament, with traditions from the 18th century Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The Citadel’s Pipe and Drum band will play while dignitaries and the previous year’s champion, Scottie Scheffler, parade around Harbour Town Yacht Basin. Scheffler will receive a very special plaque and, in unison with a cannon shot, will hit a golf ball into Calibogue Sound using an authentically ancient club and ball. BANG!
Tamela Maxim is thrilled to write for the Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun. She was previously the assistant publisher of Realtor Listings magazine, editor of Bluffton Breeze and Premier Lowcountry magazines, and occasional contributor to local newspapers and magazines. She plays the role of the assistant art instructor on the YouTube channel Art Posse, a local reality TV show that has just completed its 2nd season. www.artposseproductions.com She recently edited and published two books, Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1 by Annelore Harrell, and From Jellybeans to a Nobel Prize Nomination by Arthur V. Martin, Ph.D.
