At the risk of understatement, it’s been quite a year for golf and Hilton Head Island. The gem of coastal South Carolina, this world-renowned vacation destination has had a long love affair with golf.

Home to 25 exceptional courses and one of the most recognizable finishing holes on the PGA Tour, the family-friendly island is a favorite of both touring pros and families in search of the perfect beach vacation.

That’s why the golf world held its collective breath last year when the beloved Heritage Tournament, a staple on the PGA Tour for more than four decades, seemed in danger of falling victim to a loss of sponsorship.

The RBC Heritage is back better than ever.
In the end, the Royal Bank of Canada stepped in, with help from Boeing, to save the day. This year the newly minted RBC Heritage is back—bigger and better than ever—in its familiar slot the week following The Masters.

Among the many improvements RBC brings is a renewed emphasis on environmental sensitivity. (Hilton Head is the first town in South Carolina to be awarded Audubon International's Green Community designation.) The Island, and the Sea Pines Resort in particular, have a long history of preserving its natural beauty and resources. This year, the Heritage will be going green in a big way.

Bicycles will help the tournament go green.
The most obvious of the green initiatives involves bicycles, one of the Island’s most popular forms of transportation. Everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys the Island’s extensive network of bike paths.

There are more than 100 miles of paths on Hilton Head, including those inside the gates of Sea Pines Resort, home of the RBC Heritage. For the first time ever, those with a ticket for the tournament will be able to ride their bikes from anywhere on the Island directly to the tournament during hours of play. You’ll have to possess a valid ticket for the day and stay on the bike paths but once there, you’ll find plenty of bike parking. 

Welcoming our Neighbors from the North.
It’s only natural a Canadian bank will mean even greater interest from north of the border. Canadians have flocked to the sunny warmth of Hilton Head for years, but this year Islanders will head in their direction.

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will have representatives at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show from March 2–4. They’ll be there to help Canadians get to know the Island even better. If you’re in town, stop in and say hello.

For more information on Hilton Head Island golf, the RBC Heritage, or the Island’s green initiatives, visit HiltonHeadGolfIsland.