If you want to golf alongside the pros, Hilton Head Island is the place to visit. The extraordinary number of world class courses located in one area is unique and it attracts the best golfers from around the world to test their skills. Many PGA tournaments and competitive golf events use Hilton Head courses and that makes it an exciting place to visit. If you want to watch the pros and even compete in local events, Hilton Head is the place to be.
RBC Heritage Classic
This is a really unique tournament that is sponsored by Boeing and is run as a PGA Tour event. It takes place on April 12-18 in 2021 at the Harbourtown Golf Links. The biggest players in the game are present and the entire event is televised nationally. It’s a big tournament and a fun one for spectators. In 2020, the event was run without crowds due to covid but 2021 might see limited entry for visitors. As an annual event, future years will be back to normal with normal crowd sizes. Regardless, you can watch it live on television.
The stakes are extremely high at this tournament with a 7.4 million dollar purse and 53-years of tradition. The tournament is estimated to pump over 100-million dollars into the local economy and it also has a charitable basis, providing millions in support to those in need. 135,000 individuals attended the 2019 tournament, making for an exciting tournament with a packed crowd.
Super Sunday
Locals and visitors can compete in a great tournament with the Super Sunday event at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. The 2021 tournament is scheduled for February 7th and the entry fee is only 75-dollars. The Robert Trent Oceanfront Golf Course is the perfect venue for a scenic and challenge day. The format is a 4-person team scramble with a 20-percent handicap. The event is laid back although some serious players are in attendance. The entry fee includes greens fees and comes with free beer. This is a fun day you will not want to miss.
Hilton Head Island Open Championship
This is a fantastic tournament that has both amateurs and pros playing through the same 36-hole individual run. If you really want to compete and test yourself as an individual, this is the perfect tournament structure. The tournament was scheduled in September of 2019 and future dates are TBD. Stay in the loop because this is one you don’t want to miss. The biggest attraction for these mixed events is the opportunity for amateurs to play alongside pros while learning to advance and improve their level of play. Hilton Head Island has multiple events of this nature and they are very popular.
Hilton Head Island Amateur and Senior Championship
The 2021 dates have not been announced just yet but the 2020 tournament was scheduled for October 31-November 1. This tournament attracts top talent from the professional and amateur levels for 54 holes of medal play. Many of the top amateurs attend this one and some are poised to bridge the gap between amateur and professional levels of play.
Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association
Many of the local events, including the latter, are organized by this dedicated group. The amateur golf association is designed for full-time residents and local property owners who want to network and join their competitive events. With more than 275 residents, the networking opportunities are fantastic for golfers looking to play with new people. The group does have annual dues and is only open to male golfers. If you are a full-time resident at the RV resort, you are likely eligible to join the group.
Make Your Own Tournament
There is no need to wait for a sanctioned event on Hilton Head Island. Pick your favorite course and grab a group of friends to play through your own mini-tournament. The island has so many courses, you could play through a different one each week for a few months. Many of your neighbors are dedicated golfers and will likely join for a few rounds of play each week. These informal tournaments challenge golfers in a casual environment without any extra fees or paperwork. Many partnered golfers will keep a running tally across the entire year as well with a small pot or wager at the end. Keep in mind that these informal tournaments among friends are not sanctioned by the courses and are not run in any official capacity. It’s simply a way to stay engaged and add a small level of competition to your regular rounds of golf.
