Golf’s Stars Attract Thousands to Hilton Head

Hilton Head, SC was abuzz as droves of golf enthusiasts flocked to the city to witness the spectacle of the RBC Heritage Tournament. Numerous fan favorites who’d played at the Masters Tournament just a week prior made the short journey from Augusta, Georgia to Hilton Head to participate in this event, drawing visitors from both near and afar.

World-renowned golfers battled it out on the greens for the grand prize of $3.6 million, out of a total purse of $20 million. The festive plaid jacket, a recognized symbol of the tournament, was also up for grabs.

Crowd’s Reaction

The atmosphere for the attendees was electric. A visitor from Minnesota, named Tom, expressed his delight at the warm South Carolina climate and the presence of the Masters champion. Local natives like Broderick Copeland savored the communal spirit even more, stating, “We love being here with family and friends. Especially when you are coming back from college.”

Even local sports coaches swapped their regular gear to become spectators for the day. Niki Perry, a teacher and softball coach at Hilton Head High School, reveled in the chance to witness the pros up close.

The Turnout

Despite the pouring rain, thousands of fans braved the weather to watch their favorite players in action. This year’s RBC Heritage PGA Tour had anticipated between 100,000 – 115,000 attendees for the entire week of the tournament. The event lived up to its hype, with large crowds clustering around the greens eager to see the action firsthand.

Headlining Participants

Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a Masters’ win marked his place here. Featuring a solid 54-hole lead, Scheffler entered the final day with a potential to widen his lead. Despite his recent victories, there were attendees who desired someone else for the win. “For this tournament, we just want to see somebody beat Scheffler. Because he has won every tournament. Everybody but Scheffler,” voiced Mike from Minnesota.

Rory McIlroy, another crowd favorite, also received substantial support from fans. “My favorite player is Rory McIlroy and I hope he wins. It honestly means the world to me he has been my biggest role model since I was young, and I love the sport.” shared Patrick Slater, a first time attendee at RBC Heritage Tournament.

Economic Impact

The golfing event has reportedly pumped more than $100 million back into the Beaufort County community. With thousands of visitors coming to watch the 69 golfers, the event not only entertained but also played a significant role in supporting the local economy.

Unprecedented Extension

In an unexpected turn of events, gameplay was temporarily paused on the final Sunday due to inclement weather on Hilton Head Island. This resulted in an additional day of play scheduled for Monday, with officials planning to commence play as early as 8 am.

The RBC Heritage continues to captivate audiences with world-class golf and makes a significant economic contribution to the region. This year was no exception, with large numbers of attendees braving the weather to witness their favorite players in action.