Darius Rucker and the No. 1 women’s collegiate golf event in the country return to Hilton Head
Swing, strum and Southern charm
Story by Leslie T. Snadowsky
Collegiate golf, a rock concert and Hilton Head Island – it’s a hole-in-one when it comes to the greatest show in women’s golf.
The 12th annual Darius Rucker Intercollegiate returns to the nationally acclaimed Long Cove Club golf course from March 4-6. The University of South Carolina women’s golf team will host this three-day tournament where 17 top teams from around the country will compete for the title.
Spectators are welcome to attend the event on Long Cove Club’s world-class Pete Dye golf course, and it will also be televised live on the Golf Channel for all three days of the competition.
“It’s an honor to have my name attached to an event that showcases such an elite level of golf,” Grammy and CMA award-winning musician Darius Rucker told LOCAL Life. “When we started this tournament, I would have never dreamed of it being televised live on the Golf Channel. The fact that we can provide an opportunity to showcase women’s golf and grow the game is what I am most proud of. Long Cove Club has been a great partner since the beginning, and we couldn’t ask for a better host for the tournament.”
The Hootie and the Blowfish guitarist, solo country artist, South Carolina alumnus and philanthropic putter has lent his name to the tournament for 12 years. Kicking off this year’s event will be a private Darius Rucker concert for players, coaches, sponsors and Long Cove Club residents.
“I love coming to the Arts Center to play,” Rucker said. “It’s such an intimate environment with the players and coaches right up front. We bring the full band and crew; it’s fun. We always throw in a Hootie & the Blowfish song or two. I heard that more than 3,000 spectators came to the tournament last year. I am glad our tournament can attract visitors who are hopefully enjoying the great restaurants and shops that the town has to offer. South Carolina is home for me. And I’ve been coming to Hilton Head for 40 years. I love the people and the laid-back way of life.”
Joining the host team of South Carolina will be Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. The teams will be housed in private vacation homes on Hilton Head Island.
“We are extremely excited to invite the top women’s collegiate teams in the country back to Long Cove Club in March,” tournament chair Rob Ryan said. “Golf fans should take advantage of seeing these rising stars; more than 30 past participants are currently playing on the LPGA Tour. You don’t want to miss seeing the future of women’s golf at this event.”
“Promoting gender equality in sports is important,” Rucker said. “There is so much talent at the tournament, and it’s so much fun to watch. I am glad that we now have a platform in the Golf Channel to let the world experience that as well. Our hope is that women’s golf coverage and opportunities can continue to expand.”
Tee times will be announced at LongCoveDRI.com.
How to watch
Darius Rucker Intercollegiate
In-person: Spectators are welcome at no charge – no ticket needed. Go to 44 Long Cove Drive on Hilton Head and proceed to the Long Cove Club security gate. Volunteers will assist with parking. A trolley will be available from the parking areas to the golf course. The oceanfront Sonesta Resort is offering a special tournament rate for guests and is located across the street from Long Cove Club. Find the group rate link at LongCoveDRI.com.
On TV: The event will be televised live on the Golf Channel for all three days of the competition. Coverage will air from 2:30-5:30 p.m., March 4-6.
Q+A: Five random questions with Darius Rucker
[LOCAL Life] If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only three things, what would they be? [Darius Rucker] Ice cream, music and a golf club, of course.
[LL] What’s one thing about Darius Rucker most people don’t know? [DR] My total geekiness for comic books.
[LL] What is your favorite restaurant? [DR] FIG in downtown Charleston. Their gnocci bolognese is to die for.
[LL] What is your favorite city to visit? [DR] Amsterdam
[LL] Favorite drink? [DR] Beer
