Hilton Head Golf Tournament RBC Heritage 2021: What You Need To Know

The RBC Heritage Hilton Head golf tournament is the annual PGA Tour event played on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

This year marks the 53rd Heritage, which started as the Heritage Classic golf tournament and is the only PGA Tour event in South Carolina.

The Hilton Head PGA golf tournament is played at the beautiful course overlooking the water, Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse. And If you love golf, there is nothing better than Hilton Head Island during Heritage week.

The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is one of the biggest events on the island, and has been celebrated by Plaid Nation for the more than 50 years of the Hilton Head golf tournament. The tournament helps thousands of people in need each year through the Heritage Classic Foundation.

Whether you dream of attending in person or watching your favorite pro golfers from home, here's everything you need to know about the RBC Heritage. And answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Hilton Head Island golf tournament.

Ready to start planning your Hilton Head golf vacation? Start searching for the best hotels now.

Where is RBC Heritage played?

The RBC Heritage is played at the Harbour Town Golf Links in the Sea Pines Resort, one of the most iconic Hilton Head golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye designed golf course is famous for the spectacular view of the Harbour Town Lighthouse and yacht marina from the 18th hole. The red and white striped lighthouse and the yachts in Harbour Town are always featured during the Heritage coverage.

Want to walk the course virtually? Explore the course with photos and descriptions of each hole. You can also follow the Heritage golf tournament course on the course map.

Pro tip: If you are going to follow along with the tournament, download the map to your phone or print it out for easy reference.

When is the Hilton Head golf tournament?

The Heritage traditionally takes place in April, the week after the Masters Tournament. This year, the RBC Heritage dates are April 12-18, 2021.

Traditionally, the opening ceremonies and a parade kick off the event at the 18th green Monday morning, the pro practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, and the RBC Heritage Pro-Am on Wednesday. 

The first round of tournament play begins on Thursday. And continues with the second round on Friday, the third round on Saturday, and the final round on Sunday followed by the trophy presentation on the 18th green.

You can see the full schedule of events for the Heritage tournament and coverage here.

Who's playing in the RBC Heritage?

With over 50 years of history, many legendary golfers have played the Hilton Head tournament. Past Heritage champions include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman to name a few. 

The 2021 RBC Heritage will host the top golfers in the world to compete for the $7.4 million purse---and the famed plaid jacket. The world number one ranked golfer and team RBC ambassador Dustin Johnson will be playing in the Hilton Head PGA tournament. Also expect top-ranked Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Justin Thomas. 

Current defending champion Webb Simpson, PGA Tour Pro Matt Kuchar, and other Team RBC Ambassadors are expected to compete. Other past champions Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell, and Brandt Snedeker are likely to compete for the chance to win another tartan jacket. Top-ranked golfers like Billy Horschel, Charles Howell III, Louis Oosthuizen, and Cameron Smith have also competed in the RBC Heritage in past years.

Heritage golf tournament 2021 Leaderboard

You can see the complete list of players, check the scores, and see who's teeing off when on the leaderboard and tee times once the tournament begins.

How to watch the Heritage

Watch the TV coverage and live stream

The Hilton Head PGA tournament will be covered on The Golf Channel and CBS Sports. Dates and times for each network will be confirmed closer to the tournament date:

• The Golf Channel:
  • Thursday & Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm EST
  • Saturday & Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST
• CBS Sports:
  • Saturday & Sunday 3:00 to 6:00 pm EST

You can also watch the live stream of the Heritage coverage on your mobile, tablet, or computer at PGAtourlive.com and GolfChannel.com. Check the websites for live stream times. PGA Tour Radio will also cover the tournament daily.

How to get tickets 

If you want to watch the Heritage PGA Tour event in person, the 2021 tournament will have limited spectators, and tickets are expected to sell out. Ticket information is available on the official RBC Heritage website here. You'll find options for different pass packages, as well as day tickets for practice rounds and tournament days.

You can find the latest information on fan safety guidelines for attendees here.

If you're planning to travel to Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage, make your reservations early---hotel rooms and rentals book up quickly as beach season kicks off. In past years over 100,000 people have attended the tournament (attendance was 135,000 in 2019).

Ready to start planning your Hilton Head golf vacation? Start searching for the best hotels now.

Pro tip: With the logistics of the Harbour Town golf tournament, traffic and parking for the tournament can be a challenge. There is no general spectator parking inside Sea Pines. The best option is to use the designated parking and shuttle from the Coastal Discovery Museum at the north end of the island. The designated Uber and taxi drop-off is at The Shops at Sea Pines Center during tournament hours (which is a bit of a walk from the tournament entrance at the golf club). 

If you're staying near Coligny Beach or in Sea Pines, it's a short bike ride to Harbourtown and there is designated bike parking next to the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse parking lot for the tournament.

And be sure to fuel up at one of Hilton Head's best breakfast restaurants before you head to the course.

No matter how you follow the Heritage, it's one of the most fun PGA tournaments to watch. Cheers to over 50 years of the Hilton Head golf tournament!