Plan the Ultimate RBC Heritage Vacation in Hilton Head

Every April, golf enthusiasts turn their sights toward a little barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. Known mostly for Lowcountry charm and laidback beach-town vibes, Hilton Head comes alive in a frenzy of tartan-clad fandom as the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament makes its annual return to Harbour Town.

If you’re planning to see the competition in person this year, we’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know about the RBC Heritage, from where to stay to the best viewing spots on the links. Check them out below and start planning your ultimate golf getaway today.

Already booked your RBC Heritage ticket? Secure a vacation rental in Sea Pines and be steps from the Harbour Town Golf Links when you book directly with Beachside Getaway. 

Booking direct keeps money in your pocket by bypassing the third-party fees of online travel agencies. Browse our Sea Pines Rentals and Book Direct today!

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In This Article:

• What is the RBC Heritage?
• About Harbour Town Golf Links
• What to Expect During the RBC Heritage
• Best Viewing Spots for RBC Heritage
• How to Get Tickets to the RBC Heritage
• What to Do in Hilton Head When You're Not at the Tournament
• Save on Your Vacation Rental with Beachside Getaway
• FAQs

What is the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament?

The RBC Heritage traces its roots back to 1969, when Hilton Head was still a relatively quiet coastal destination. That first tournament changed everything. With legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus competing, the event quickly earned national attention and helped introduce the island to the wider golf world.

Over the years, the tournament has evolved in name and sponsorship, but its character has remained the same. Today, the event is organized by the Heritage Classic Foundation and holds invitational status on the PGA Tour, which means a smaller, more exclusive field than standard tour stops. That tighter lineup makes for a more intimate spectator experience and consistently strong competition.

Harbour Town Golf Links: The Star of the Show

At the heart of the RBC Heritage is Harbour Town Golf Links, the iconic golf course located inside Sea Pines Resort. Designed by Pete Dye with input from Jack Nicklaus, the course is famous for its narrow fairways, small greens, and strategic hazards.

Unlike many modern PGA TOUR venues, Harbour Town doesn’t reward power as much as precision. Players have to think their way around the course, shaping shots and managing the coastal winds that roll in off Calibogue Sound. That strategy-first design is one of the reasons the tournament produces such dramatic finishes year after year.

Course highlights:

• Par: 71
• Yardage: About 7,200 yards
• Signature hole: The 18th, framed by the iconic lighthouse
• Style of play: Accuracy and course management over distance

The final hole, set along the sound with the red-and-white lighthouse rising behind the green, is one of the most recognizable finishing stretches in professional golf.

What to Expect During RBC Heritage Week

The RBC Heritage golf tournament isn’t just about the competition. The entire island leans into the occasion. Restaurants extend their hours, local shops feature plaid-inspired displays, and all throughout the island, you’ll find fun events, viewing parties, and more from the first practice rounds through the final putt on Sunday.

Spectators move from hole to hole with drinks in hand, following their favorite players or staking out favorite vantage points. Off the course, the beaches are warm enough for afternoon strolls, and the bike paths are filled with visitors exploring the island between tournament rounds.

While the week centers around the competition, it’s also a chance for visitors to enjoy all that Hilton Head has to offer, from shopping and dining to waterfront fun and even personal rounds of golf at some of the best public courses in town.

What Are the Best Viewing Spots for the RBC Heritage?

If you’re planning to attend with RBC Heritage tickets, a little strategy goes a long way. These areas tend to offer some of the best experiences for spectators:

• 10th Fairway: A central location where you can follow action on nearby holes.
• Between the 17th Green and 18th Tee: Close to the excitement of the finishing stretch with slightly less congestion than the final green.
• 9th Tee: A strong spot for watching powerful drives.
• 2nd, 6th, and 7th Holes: Convenient access to food, restrooms, and shaded areas.
• 18th Green: The most iconic view on the course, with the lighthouse in the background.

Arriving early in the day helps you secure the best vantage point, especially on the weekend rounds.

How to Get RBC Heritage Tickets

Tickets for the RBC Heritage golf tournament are typically sold in a variety of options, including:

• Daily grounds passes for general admission
• Weekly passes for the full tournament experience
• Hospitality packages with premium seating and dining

Because the event is invitational and draws large crowds, tickets can sell out quickly—especially for the weekend rounds. It’s a good idea to secure them well in advance if you’re planning a trip around the tournament.

Get RBC Heritage Tickets

What to Do Around Hilton Head During the Tournament

While golf is the main event, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the island.

Some favorite ways to spend your off-course hours include:

• Biking the island’s extensive network of shaded trails
• Walking the beaches at sunrise or sunset
• Dining at waterfront seafood spots
• Exploring local shops and galleries
• Visiting nature preserves and scenic coastal areas

Spring weather on Hilton Head is comfortable and mild, making it one of the best times of year to be outside.

Plan Your RBC Heritage Stay with Beachside Getaway

Featured Property: 45 S. Sea Pines Dr. 

RBC Heritage week is one of the busiest times of year on Hilton Head Island, and lodging close to the action fills up fast. Instead of dealing with crowded hotels with limited space, a vacation rental gives you room to relax, cook, gather with friends, and recharge between tournament rounds.

When you book directly with Beachside Getaway, you skip the extra fees charged by third-party booking sites and work with a local team that knows the island. That often means better pricing, more personal service, and the confidence that comes from booking straight with the people who manage the property.

If you’re planning your trip around the RBC Heritage, now is the time to secure your stay. Choose a comfortable Beachside Getaway rental, settle in, and experience one of Hilton Head’s most exciting traditions from a place that feels just like home.

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Frequently Asked Questions about RBC Heritage Golf Tournament

When is the RBC Heritage played each year?

The tournament is typically held in April, right after The Masters, making it one of the most popular spring events on the PGA Tour.

What is the prize at the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament

For the lucky player who wins it all, they'll take home the coveted red tartan jacket, a trophy, and their share of an impressive $20 million purse. 

Where is the RBC Heritage golf tournament held?

It takes place at Harbour Town Golf Links inside Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Why do winners wear a tartan jacket?

The tartan jacket is a signature tradition of the tournament, symbolizing the heritage and character of the event and the Lowcountry setting.

What is the weather like in Hilton Head in April during the RBC Heritage?

The weather during the RBC Heritage is typically characterized by warm days and cool nights. Daily highs are in the mid-70s°F, and lows are around 55°F