Experience the Southern charm, where golf’s greats, like Arnold Palmer, forged a lasting history, now blended with the excitement of a PGA TOUR Signature Event. Welcome to the RBC Heritage, a springtime celebration that transcends the usual golf event. It’s a vibrant gathering at the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links, located on Hilton Head Island.
The Heritage Golf Tournament, with its distinctive character, offers a different kind of challenge. Unlike many other tournaments, it prioritizes strategy and accuracy, demanding a careful approach rather than sheer strength. Each April, right after the intense competition of The Masters, the best golfers in the world make their way to Hilton Head Island to compete for the coveted red plaid jacket at one of the PGA Tour’s most anticipated Signature Events.
Although it is primarily a golf tournament, the RBC Heritage is also Hilton Head’s most popular social event of the year. Guests wear plaid, the energy is electric, and the Calibogue Sound provides the ideal background music. From the schedule and tickets to the best eats, events, and insider secrets, this is your guide to navigating all things about RBC Heritage. Whether you’re a big fan of golf or simply here to enjoy it, you’ll find everything you need.
RBC Heritage: Hilton Head Golf Tournament
The RBC Heritage is one of the PGA Tour’s most beloved and tradition-rich events played at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA. This event is known for its unique atmosphere, scenic layout, and classic golf requirements, the Heritage has grown to a Signature Event from a regional favorite on a PGA Tour schedule by drawing top-ranked players from around the world. The tournament takes place the week after The Masters, and with a $20 million purse on the line, it offers both a competitive and financial challenge that few players want to miss.
Harbour Town is a Par 71 layout for narrow fairways, strategic challenge, and small greens that reward accuracy over distance. The event features a 72 hole stroke format, and operates a no cut field of 70-72 players, meaning that every player will win the prize money.
RBC Heritage Schedule & Dates
The RBC Heritage golf tournament is typically held in mid-April, immediately following golf’s first major, The Masters, on the PGA Tour calendar.
The week usually includes:
- Day 1: Practice Rounds & Opening Ceremony
- Day 2: Pro Practice Rounds & Events
- Day 3: RBC Heritage Pro-Am
- Day 4: Round 1 (Official Tournament Begins)
- Day 5: Round 2
- Day 6: Round 3
- Day 7: Final Round & Trophy Presentation
Note: The exact daily schedule may vary slightly each year.
RBC Heritage Payout Structure
As a PGA Tour Signature Event, the heritage boasts one of the richest purses outside the Four Major Golf Tournaments. For 2026, the RBC Heritage had a $20 million total purse, with the tournament winner earning $3.6 million. While the Masters winner earns $4.5 million, the Heritage Golf Tournament’s $3.6 million is the one of the highest among non-Major events, highlighting its prestige and competitive draw.
Top 10 Purse Breakdown
| Position | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $3,600,000 |
| 2nd Place | $2,160,000 |
| 3rd Place | $1,360,000 |
| 4th Place | $960,000 |
| 5th Place | $800,000 |
| 6th Place | $720,000 |
| 7th Place | $670,000 |
| 8th Place | $621,000 |
| 9th Place | $581,000 |
| 10th Place | $541,000 |
Full payout details and complete tables: See the official RBC Heritage payout breakdown.
Historical Purse Growth
- Early Years (1969-1990s): Started with a small amount of $100,000 in 1969, reaching $1 million by 1990.
- 1990s Surge: Saw significant increases, hitting $1.25 million in 1994 and $2.5 million by 1999.
- 2000s Expansion: Struck $4 million in 2002 and reached $5.7 million by 2009.
- Modern Growth: The purse rose to $8 million in 2022.
- Recent Signature Event Era (2023-2026): A massive leap to $20 million as a Signature Event in 2023, maintaining that level through 2026.
Charity Impact
Beyond the leadership and payouts, the RBC Heritage’s charity mission is a cornerstone of the event. Since 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has donated over $59 million to charities across South Carolina and Georgia, a number that continues to grow with each edition of the tournament. Individual year contributions support education, healthcare, arts, and community programs.
This charity reflects the event’s strong ties with the local community and enhances their experience and reputation beyond golf, underlining how elite sport can generate some significant benefits.
Economic Facts
The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament plays a significant role in driving the region’s economy:
- Annual Economic Impact: The tournament has generated an economic impact of $130+ million into South Carolina’s economy in many years, driven by hospitality, tourism, retail spending, and global media exposure tied to the PGA Tour.
- High-Value Spectator Demographics: The RBC heritage attracts an abundant and highly educated audience. Approximately 70% of spectators earn over $100,000 annually, and more than 80% are college-educated, making the event engaging for brand sponsors and premium partners.
- Attendance & Visitor Spending: More than 100,000 spectators attend this event throughout the week, with fans travelling from the US and other states from abroad, with rapid growth of hotel occupancy, dining revenue, and local transport services.
- Volunteers & Local Engagement: The event depends on a strong volunteer network, seasonal employment, local business partners, and providing income opportunities across hospitality, service industries, and event operations.
Where is the RBC Heritage Played?
The RBC Heritage golf tournament is played at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, a course opened in 1969, designed by Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus’s help. It is known for its narrow pathways, strategic challenges, iconic lighthouse, and low country settings. The course sits on scenic Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, near Calibogue Sound, offering beautiful coastal and marshland views. Its location makes it easily accessible from nearby Savannah, Georgia, or Charleston, South Carolina. It quickly became a PGA Tour staple and has hosted champions like Davis Love III and Vijay Singh, maintaining its classic charm while challenging modern players.
Harbour Town stands out for its tight fairways, small greens, and strategic layout. The Harbour Town Lighthouse at the 18th hole is an iconic landmark, while the coastal winds and Lowcountry scenery create a distinctive and memorable playing challenge.
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Harbour Town Golf Links Course Breakdown
| Hole # | Par | Yards | Key Features | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 410 | Starting hole, demanding accuracy | Navigating tree-lined fairways and a precise approach |
| 2 | 5 | 550 | First Par 5, requires good strategy | Bunkers and waste area positioning |
| 3 | 4 | 469 | Long and challenging Par 4 | Requires length and accuracy to avoid tree blockage |
| 4 | 3 | 200 | Classic short Par 3 | Narrow green protected by bunkers and subtle slopes |
| 5 | 5 | 569 | Another long Par 5 | Tree-lined layout requires a clear second shot |
| 6 | 4 | 419 | Mid-length Par 4 | Precision tee shot due to narrow corridors |
| 7 | 3 | 217 | Significant Par 3 | Sand surrounds the hole; avoiding tree branches is key |
| 8 | 4 | 473 | Tough, long Par 4 | Well-protected green with bunkers and tight angles |
| 9 | 4 | 332 | Short Par 4 to finish the front nine | Driveable hole guarded by a small greenside bunker |
| 10 | 4 | 451 | Long Par 4 opening the back nine | Tight corridors and small greens demand strong iron play |
| 11 | 4 | 436 | Another challenging Par 4 | Tree-lined fairways require a strategic tee shot |
| 12 | 4 | 430 | Mid-to-long Par 4 | Overhanging trees and tight fairways |
| 13 | 4 | 373 | Shorter Par 4 | Small greens and coastal winds affect shot control |
| 14 | 3 | 192 | Short Par 3, often tricky | Well-bunkered Par 3 with a subtly contoured green |
| 15 | 5 | 588 | Longest hole, key birdie opportunity | Accurate lay-up shots needed to avoid terrain and water |
| 16 | 4 | 434 | Long Par 4 before the finish | Narrow green separated by salt marshes |
| 17 | 3 | 198 | Scenic Par 3 | Plays toward Calibogue Sound, influenced by coastal winds |
| 18 | 4 | 472 | Iconic Par 4 finishing hole | Water guards the left side with the famous lighthouse backdrop |
Famous Traditions That Define the Heritage Golf Tournament
- First Winner (1969): Arnold Palmer won the inaugural Heritage title in 1969, setting the foundation for the event’s historic legacy.
- Red Plaid Jacket Tradition: The champion receives the Heritage Plaid Jacket, a custom red tartan adapted from the Royal Stewart pattern; a tailored version is later made for the winner.
- Post-Champions Parade: Before tournaments begin, past champions, board members, and volunteers lead the parade through Harbour Town’s Yacht Basin, celebrating the event’s history.
- Ceremonial Opening: The parade led by the Citadel’s pipe band, with the defending champion using a vintage hickory club to hit a golf ball into the Calibogue Sound, often with canon firing, making it the official start of the tournament.
- Plaid Nation Saturday: This is a peak day for spectators to wear tartan plaid and celebrate fun and traditional contests, typically around the 17th and 18th holes.
All-Time Records & Milestones of RBC Heritage Golf Tournament
Here are the all-time records for Heritage Golf Tournaments:
- Most Wins: Davis Love III holds the record with 5 victories from 1987 to 2003, while Hale Irwin and Stewart Cink are tied second with three wins each.
- Lowest Score (72-Hole): Web Simpsons holds the record for the aggregate lowest score with 262 in 2020, with 22 under par.
- Lowest Single Round Score: The course record at Harbor Town Golf Links is 61, 10-under par, shared by three players: David Frost (Round 2, 1994), Troy Merritt (Round 2, 2015), and Justin Thomas (Round 1, 2025).
- Largest Margin: Brian Gay holds the record for the largest margin of victory with an aggregate score of 264 and 10 stroke victory in 2009.
Hole-in-Ones: While no specific tournament is prominent, the Par 3 has seen 11 aces in tournament history, including Patrick Cantlay in 2023 and Richard Crawford in 1982. - Consecutive Cuts: The record for most consecutive cuts made at Heritage Golf Tournament is 26, held by Davis Love III. Hale Irwin made 23 cuts at Heritage tournaments.
- Purse Evolution: The purse for the RBC Heritage has seen a peak evolution with a current total purse of $20 million, whereas the inaugural tournament had a total purse of $100,000 in 1969. This substantial rise happens due to the tournament’s designation as a PGA Tour “Signature Event”.
RBC Heritage 2025 Recap: Highlights from Last Season
The 2025 RBC Heritage golf tournament will be remembered as the week Justin Thomas reminded everyone what he is capable of. Held April 14 to 20, 2025 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, Thomas claimed his 16th PGA Tour title in a playoff, closing out one of the more dramatic finishes the tournament has seen in recent years. This signature event highlighted small greens, close fairways, and the iconic 18th hole, with players competing for the red plaid tartan jacket and the significant prize money.
2025 RBC Heritage: Key Highlights
- Winner & Performance: Justin Thomas, who won the RBC Heritage 2025, capturing his 16th PGA Tour title, ending a drought, and capitalizing on Harbour Town’s challenging layout.
- No Cut Policy: This event featured the no cut policy, which ensured that all players earned the prize money and FedEx Cup points after the tournament ended.
- Spectator Profile: This event is for a high-profile, well-educated gathering, with an income of over $100k, enjoying the iconic setting at Hilton Head.
- Harbour Town Challenge: The Par 71 highlights narrow fairways, strategic challenges, and small greens wanting accuracy over distance.
- Signature Financial Points: This features a massive purse of $20 million, with the winner, Justin Thomas, taking home of $3.6 million and receiving 700 FedEx Cup Points for the victory.
- Economic Conditions: The tournament continued its tradition of massive local economic impact, increasing the economy of South Carolina by over $134 million annually.
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RBC Heritage 2026: What to Expect This Upcoming Season
The 58th RBC Heritage golf tournament is set for April 13 to 19, 2026, at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, picking up right where the Masters leaves off. But if you’ve followed the Heritage for a few years, this edition carries something worth paying attention to. The 2026 RBC Heritage is structured as a Tournament of Champions, which means the field is made up entirely of players who won on the PGA Tour during the 2025 calendar year. Every player in the field has won. There are no ranking exemptions filling the spots, no sponsor picks, just winners.
That changes the feel of the week considerably. Harbour Town already plays as one of the more demanding courses on the PGA Tour schedule, with its tight fairways, small greens, and coastal wind off Calibogue Sound. Put a field of proven winners on that layout and the level of competition becomes something different from a standard Signature Event week. Expect sharp, focused golf from the first round.
The no-cut format stays in place, so all players will complete all four rounds and earn prize money. The total purse for the 2026 RBC Heritage remains at $20 million, with the winner taking home $3.6 million along with the red plaid tartan jacket.
Schedule For RBC Heritage Tournament 2026
| Day | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | April 13 | Grounds closed to spectators |
| Tuesday | April 14 | Practice Rounds and Opening Ceremony |
| Wednesday | April 15 | RBC Heritage Pro-Am |
| Thursday | April 16 | Round 1 |
| Friday | April 17 | Round 2 |
| Saturday | April 18 | Round 3 |
| Sunday | April 19 | Final Round and Trophy Presentation |
Beyond the competition, the week stays true to what makes Hilton Head’s golf tournament one of the most loved stops on the Tour. The Plaid Nation atmosphere builds through the week, the Heritage Lawn fills up by Saturday, and the 18th hole finish in front of the lighthouse is as good as it gets in professional golf. The Heritage Classic Foundation also continues its charitable work through the event, supporting local scholarships and community programs across South Carolina and Georgia.
Tickets for the 2026 RBC Heritage are available through the official RBC Heritage website.
Where to Watch RBC Heritage?
Viewers can watch the RBC Heritage golf tournament on television, stream online, and can hear tournament highlights on the radio.
TV & Streaming Coverage
- CBS: Weekend broadcast, i.e., Saturday & Sunday afternoon.
- Golf Channel: Weekday afternoon coverage and early weekend coverage.
- ESPN+: Exclusive PGA Tour Live, multi-stream coverage, including main feeds, featured groups, and holes from Thursday to Sunday.
- Paramount+: Streams CBS broadcast.
- NBC Sports/Peacock: Broadcast of Golf Channel and CBS coverage.
Radio
- SiriusXM: Provides the PGA Tour Event’s radio coverage.
Best On-Course Viewing Spots
- 18th Hole: A classic, spectacular finish of the event with the backdrop of Harbour Town Lighthouse; great for high-stakes shots into the green.
- 15th Green: Offers birdie opportunities and marsh views, with luxury hospitality tents and other amenities nearby.
- 10th Fairway: Excellent spot for watching approach shots into the green.
- 9th Hole: A fun spot to watch players from the 9th tee for a potential attempt to drive the green.
- Holes 2,6, & 7: A convenient spot with bathrooms, food, bars, and other luxuries.
Tickets & Grounds Access
| Ticket Type | Price (Approx.) | Ground Access |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Round (Tuesday or Wednesday) | $25 – $35 / day | Single-day ground access |
| Daily Grounds (Thursday–Sunday) | $100 – $140 / day | Single-day ground access with rope-line views |
| Weekly Grounds Package | $420 | Ground access for all six tournament days |
| Heritage Lawn Club (Thursday–Sunday) | $225 / day | Ground access with private venue near the 18th tee offering 360-degree views |
| Ultimate Patron Pass | $1,500 / day | Access to all hospitality venues (Calibogue, Lighthouse, Doc’s BBQ at 15) plus on-site parking with every two tickets purchased |
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and to purchase tickets, visit the official RBC Heritage website.
A Spectator’s Guide to RBC Heritage
Whether this is your first time attending the Heritage golf tournament at Hilton Head or you’re a returning Plaid Nation regular, a few things are worth knowing before you walk through the gates.
- What to Wear: Spectators can wear business casuals, polo shirts, khakis, but embrace the tradition and wear plaid attire on “Plaid Nation Day”.
- What to Bring: Resealable one-gallon plastic bags, portable headsets, medically necessary items, Binoculars without a case, Mobile Phones or Tablets (must remain on silent mode).
- Prohibited Items: Fireworks or laser pointers, Laptops, Pets (service animals allowed), Knives or other weapons, no video camera (all week), outside food & beverages, moped, or aircraft devices.
- Bag Policy: Personal bags of 6×6” or smaller and clear plastic, vinyl, and other items not exceeding 12”x6”x12”, no larger bags than a small purse are allowed, including backpacks, camera bags, and chair bags.
- Youth & Military Policies: Free ground access for kids under the age of 15 or with a ticketed adult, a complimentary ticket for the Wednesday practice round, plus daily discounts for active/retired military, veterans, National Guard, or reservists.
FAQs
Why is RBC Heritage payout so high?
The RBC Heritage is a PGA Tour Signature Event, which means it features higher prize money than regular tour stops to attract top players. Its strategic coastal course, historic prestige, and strong sponsor backing (RBC) also contribute to the large purse. Typically, Signature Events have fewer full-field exemptions, allowing higher payouts for participating players, making the event one of the most lucrative outside the Major tournaments.
What format does the Heritage Golf Tournament use?
The Heritage Golf Tournament is played in a 72-hole stroke play format over four days, featuring a no-cut field of 72 players. This means all participants complete all four rounds, earning prize money and FedEx Cup points regardless of their position, creating a competitive yet inclusive environment for the top PGA Tour professionals.
Who has the most RBC Heritage wins?
Davis Love III holds the record for the most RBC Heritage victories, with five wins spanning from 1987 to 2003. He is followed by Hale Irwin and Stewart Cink, who each have three titles. Love’s dominance at Harbour Town highlights his mastery of the course’s tight fairways, small greens, and strategic challenges.
How much do caddies earn at the RBC Heritage?
Caddies typically earn about 10% of their player’s prize money. For example, if the tournament winner takes home $3.6 million, the caddie would earn around $360,000, with smaller amounts distributed proportionally for other finishing positions. This makes the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament highly lucrative not only for players but also for their support teams.
Who won the RBC Heritage 2025?
Justin Thomas won the 2025 RBC Heritage golf tournament, beating Andrew Novak in a sudden-death playoff at Harbour Town Golf Links. Both players finished the regulation 72 holes at 17-under par before Thomas drained a birdie putt on the first playoff hole to seal the deal. It was his 16th PGA Tour title and, notably, his first win in nearly three years. Thomas collected $3.6 million from the $20 million prize purse and earned 700 FedEx Cup points, making it one of the more significant victories of his career in recent seasons.
