Today, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is home to some of the most prestigious South Carolina Golf Courses in the country, but it wasn’t always that way. Back in 1969, when Charles Fraser decided to host a tournament he called the Heritage Classic on one of the newest courses at Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head was a little known destination. Despite its remote location, Fraser had the good fortune of being able to attract some of golf’s top names to his new tournament. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus—both of whom had had a hand in designing Harbour Town Golf Links, the course at which the tournament would take place—were happy to use their celebrity to draw players and spectators alike to what would quickly become one of the most celebrated traditions in South Carolina Golf. Over four decades later, players and spectators are gearing up for the 2010 Verizon Heritage Tournament, which will take place from April 12-18, 2010 at Harbour Town Golf Links.

The years have brought with them many changes to this distinguished tournament. Once known simply as the Heritage Classic, the tournament has picked up an additional name—that of its sponsor—and is now referred to as the Verizon Heritage Classic. The tournament, which was initially played on Thanksgiving week, now takes place the week after the Masters, in early spring. The purse has also grown by leaps and bounds. Just $100,000 in 1969, it had expanded to an astonishing $5.5 million by last year’s event, and will include $5.7 million during the 2010 tournament. Attendance has also grown exponentially, with an average of 135,000 spectators heading to Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort Hilton Head to witness this esteemed tournament each year. Not only that, but the Verizon Heritage Classic is broadcast around the world, with residents of the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia tuning in each year to see live coverage. The Verizon Heritage Classic is credited with bringing $84 million to the state of South Carolina in the form of tourist dollars and other sales related to the event. With these impressive statistics, it is no wonder that some of the most celebrated names in golf show up to participate in this tournament each year. Bernhard Langer, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart, and Davis Love III are just a few of the talented men who have graced the Verizon Heritage Classic with their presence throughout the years.

The 42nd annual Verizon Heritage Classic will take place at Harbour Town Golf Links, which was designed by Pete Dye in 1969. This amazing course occupies 5,000 acres of scenic seaside land on Hilton Head Island SC. Commonly considered one of the premier courses in the country, Harbour Town Golf Links is part of Sea Pines Resort, which provides unparalleled accommodations, recreation, and amenities to those fortunate enough to be able to visit the esteemed destination. The proceeds from the Verizon Heritage Classic are distributed amongst charities in South Carolina and Georgia. Last year, $1.3 million of the revenue generated by this event funded the arts, medical institutions, charitable organizations, and college scholarships.

For news on local tournaments, events, and other happenings, visit GolfSC.com. We are a leading source of information related to South Carolina Golf and the many fabulous South Carolina Golf Courses that dot the state. We can help you find the best deals on South Carolina Golf Vacations and South Carolina Golf Packages, and all the information you need to plan Myrtle Beach SC Golf trips, Hilton Head Island Golf getaways, vacations to Golf Courses in Columbia SC, and all of your favorite South Carolina Golf destinations.