A week of surprises and mastery at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Photos by Arno Dimmling
The 2024 RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, held at picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, once again delivered a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy and suspense. This prestigious event, celebrated just a week after the Masters, attracted top-tier talent from around the globe, all competing for the iconic tartan jacket. Among them was the newly crowned Masters champion, Scottie Scheffler, whose performance was eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow competitors alike. The tournament, known for its narrow fairways and strategic play, did not disappoint, offering a compelling narrative of dramatic shots, weather delays and a battle against one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour. Here are a few key moments that defined Heritage Week, highlighting the triumphs and trials that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
2023 champion Matt Fitzpatrick kicked off Heritage Week with the ceremonial cannon shot into Calibogue Sound during opening ceremonies. “It was good fun,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s something I’ve seen happen with other players over the years and it was fun to be part of it this time.” Local jazz sensation Louise Spencer, famed for her captivating sets at The Jazz Corner, delivered a stunning rendition of the national anthem at the opening ceremonies, hitting every note with flawless precision.Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick was honored with the inaugural Defending Champion Burger at Fraser’s Tavern. The 29-year-old English golfer was invited to collaborate on creating the burger, which was inspired by the Champions Dinner held each year before the Masters. Golfrilla and Golfopotamus, two 16-foot high inflatables, were the highlight of Youth Day. Under the supervision of South Carolina Junior Golf and Sea Pines Resort volunteers, kids hit Birdie Balls into the two targets.
The champion
After his remarkable victory at the Masters, Scottie Scheffler continued to capture the spotlight, demonstrating why he is the world’s top-ranked golfer. At the RBC Heritage, Scheffler enthralled the audience with his stellar play, showcasing a blend of power and precision in his drives, skillful iron shots, precise putting and intelligent course management. His 19-under performance (69-65-63-68) earned him the tartan jacket, marking his fourth victory in five tournaments — a run that also included triumphs at the Players Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational, along with his celebrated green jacket at Augusta.
With his victory at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler became the first golfer since Bernhard Langer in 1985 to win the week immediately following a Masters victory. Langer also clinched his post-Masters win at Harbour Town
“It’s pretty epic,” said fellow PGA Tour player Sahith Theegala, who finished second at 16-under (66-67-67-68). “I grew up watching the end of Tiger (Woods), got to see Rory (McIlroy), D.J. (Dustin Johnson), Jordan (Spieth), like all these guys kind of dominate for a period of time. We could be in the midst of something really, really special (with Scheffler).”
It was Scheffler’s second start at Harbour Town. He finished T11 in his Heritage debut last year.
“It’s a great golf course,” Scheffler said. “I think it’s a lot of fun to play. If distance debate-type people are ever looking at golf course design and how to combat people only trying to hit the ball really far, they need to come here and do a case study on this golf course because it’s really, really good. You’ve got to curve the ball both directions, and you have to control your distance. You have to control where the golf ball is going. It’s not just a place where you can go bomb it.”
On the course
J.T. Poston, known affectionately as “The Postman,” delivered an impressive 63 in the first round, setting the tournament’s pace. He netted nine birdies, six within a remarkable seven-hole stretch, to secure the early lead. “It felt like one of those days where every shot had a chance, and I was confident about making the putts if I just got the look,” Poston said. It was the first tournament attended by his newborn baby. “Maybe that had something to do with my performance,” he said. “She might just be my lucky charm.” Poston finished T5. Sepp Straka surged to the top of the leaderboard early, tying for the lead with rounds of 66 and 65. “The driver was fantastic, which is crucial here,” Straka said. “The course is very tight, demanding precise control of your driver. Plus, my putter was on fire, a welcome change since it’s been cold the last few months. It felt great to sink some birdie putts again.” Straka finished T5. Patrick Cantlay added to his strong performance history at Harbour Town, finishing T3 at 15-under. “I think the course design is really good,” Cantlay said. “It forces you to really play chess out there and put the golf ball in specific spots. There’s no real advantage to hitting it long. You have to control your golf ball. I tend to play out of the fairway here a lot, and that makes this place pretty easy.”Reigning U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark carded an impressive 7-under 29 on the front nine of his final round, moving within two strokes of Scheffler. He finished the round with a 6-under 65. “Honestly it was a great day,” Clark said. “I was trying to get myself in the top 10 and have a good finish, and it was kind of fun for a little bit. Seemed like maybe we had a chance to do something crazy.” He finished T3.Sahith Theegala continues to turn heads as a promising young talent in golf. Building on his impressive T5 finish at last year’s RBC Heritage, he delivered another strong performance this year, securing a second-place finish at 16-under. “I feel like my game is in a great spot,” Theegala said. “My body feels good. I think I’ve said this a lot over the last couple years, which is a good thing, but I feel like I’m playing the best golf I’ve ever played.” After sitting out last year’s tournament, Rory McIlroy expressed his delight at returning to the Heritage in 2024. “I’d forgotten just how wonderful this place is,” McIlroy said. “The golf course is stunning; there’s a fantastic atmosphere and the fan support is truly outstanding.” McIlroy was in the mix after three rounds of 67, 68 and 68 but struggled with a 74 on Sunday. Fan favorite Justin Thomas delivered his finest performance at the RBC Heritage, recording impressive rounds of 69, 68, 68 and 65 to finish T5. Despite a shaky beginning, Thomas rallied at the end of his third round with consecutive birdies. “I got off to a start that you don’t want to get off to — when you’re teeing off in the middle of the pack on Saturday,” Thomas said. “I just stayed patient. This is a place that I love to play because I know something like that can happen. If you drive it well and land in a good place on the fairway, you can get it going a little bit.”
Outside the ropes
Best dressed
As the golf balls fly, so do the tartan trends, with spectators turning the course into a runway of checkered charm. From tartan trousers that could distract even the steadiest golfer to skirts that swing as much as the clubs, this parade of plaid is proving that in golf, sometimes the best shots are the fashion shots. Here’s who wore it plaid-est.
Best in show:
Barrett and Caldwell Reddy
Alex Crocker
Marylou and Doug Haraburd
Kelsey Lausanne
Honorable mention:
These 11 guys
Faces in the crowd
The RBC Heritage was the place to see and be seen, attracting more than 100,000 spectators. Photographer Arno Dimmling captured some of the atmosphere.
Low tide uncovers many shells and shell fragments on the smooth, wet sand along the coastal waters of South Carolina. Here are a few interesting shells and fossils to keep an eye out for.
This “in the dark” opportunity only happens once a month, when the sun, earth and moon align, creating spring tides that push our tidal waters further back into the salt marsh. This higher water and the radiant moon create a kayaking experience like no other.
