Golf enthusiasts, seize the chance to witness the wonders of the PGA Tour! Every April, the RBC Heritage takes place at Harbour Town Golf Links situated in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where not only world-class golf is played, but also the spectators get to experience the coastal atmosphere that is so welcoming and gets them involved in the drama and fan-friendly access.
This guide covers everything: the dates of the tournament, the payout structure, the economic ripple effects, charity missions, the recap of last season and the winner, the previews for the upcoming event, and the insider tips on what the spectators can expect.
RBC Heritage Golf Tournament Overview
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, Southern Carolina, USA. This event is known for its unique atmosphere, scenic layout, and classic golf requests, 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, offering players a competitive and financial challenge early in the season.
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 72 players, signifying that every player will win the prize money.
RBC Heritage Schedule & Dates
The RBC Heritage Golf Tournament is scheduled for April 13-19 every year, slotting in a PGA tour calendar immediately after golf’s first major, The Masters.
The week includes:
- April 13: Practice Rounds & Opening Ceremony
- April 14: Pro Practice Rounds & Events
- April 15: RBC Heritage Pro-Am
- April 16: Round 1 (Official Tournament Begins)
- April 17: Round 2
- April 18: Round 3
- April 19: Final Round & Trophy Presentation
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.
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.
- Recent Signature Event Era (2023-2026): A major jump to $8 million in 2022, then 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 in South Carolina and Georgia. 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 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 California’s economy each year, 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.
Key Facts About 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.
Where is the RBC Heritage Played: Course Breakdown
The RBC Heritage golf tournament is played at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, which is a Pete Dye design with Jack Nicklaus’s help, known for its narrow pathways, strategic challenges, iconic lighthouse, and low country settings.
| 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 | Risk-reward hole with water on the right and sloping green |
| 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 | Water hazards near the green increase difficulty |
| 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 | Guarded by water and a pot bunker |
| 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 | Famous lighthouse green Par 3 | Plays into prevailing winds off Calibogue Sound |
| 18 | 4 | 472 | Iconic Par 4 finishing hole | Water guards the left side with the lighthouse backdrop |
All-Time Records of 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.
- 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
- Justin Thomas: Round 1, 2025
Largest Margin:
- Brian Gay holds the record for the largest margin of the victory with a 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 RBC Heritage is 24, held by Tiger Woods who also achieved Grand Slam in Golf, Hale Irwin made 23 cuts at Heritage tournaments, and Davis Love III once made 26 consecutive cuts at the Heritage.
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 Overview (Last Season)
The RBC Heritage 2025 was a significant PGA Tour Signature Event won by Justin Thomas, held on April 14- April 20, 2025, demanding accuracy on the iconic lighthouse, and raising money for charity through the Heritage Classic Foundation. 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.
Key Observations and Takeaways:
- 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’s 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 millions 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.
RBC Heritage 2026 Preview
The RBC Heritage 2026 will be the 58th edition, and will be held from April 13 to April 19, designed by Pete Dye, who is also known for its iconic lighthouse, small greens, followed by the Masters. As a Signature Event, it features a smaller, elite field with no cut, strong approach players, and favors ball-strikers, the most likely focused storyline on Masters performance and the challenges of the unique course layout.
What to Expect?
- Observer Experience: A highly engaged Plaid Nation, following with stunning views of the iconic Lighthouse.
- Charitable Impact: The Heritage Classic Foundation raises notable funds for local charities, especially college scholarships.
Key Insights:
- This tournament is best for its unique, free, and easy atmosphere and the iconic lighthouse at Harbour Town on the 18th hole.
- This Signature Event attracts top-ranked players from the PGA Tour, guaranteeing a highly competitive field.
- The tournament has a strong tradition and history, with past winners including Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
- Tickets are available for purchase online through the 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.
Fan Policies & Attending the RBC Heritage
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.
