How weather has shaped the Heritage over the years
Storms, suspensions & stunning finishes
The RBC Heritage has faced its fair share of weather-related delays and suspensions, with Mother Nature often shaping the tournament’s outcome. From torrential downpours to hazardous storms, players at Harbour Town Golf Links have had to navigate unpredictable conditions, testing both their skill and patience.
2024: A Monday finish for the World No. 1
A late-afternoon storm on Sunday forced a more than two-hour suspension of play, ultimately pushing the final round to Monday — without spectators. Scottie Scheffler, riding the momentum of his Masters victory the previous week, remained unfazed. The World No. 1 carded a 19-under total to secure his 10th PGA Tour title, finishing three strokes ahead of Sahith Theegala. The victory marked Scheffler’s fourth win in five starts, solidifying his dominance in the game.
2020: A weather delay in a historic year
During a turbulent year that saw the tournament moved to June due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the RBC Heritage endured yet another challenge — severe storms. Play was suspended in the final round due to dangerous weather, forcing a delay in the tournament’s conclusion. Webb Simpson, undaunted by the disruption, set a tournament record with a 22-under 262, edging out Abraham Ancer by one stroke. The victory marked Simpson’s second PGA Tour title of the season.
2019: A stormy start, a first-time champion
Severe thunderstorms forced an evacuation of the course on Thursday afternoon, halting play as lightning and heavy rain swept through Hilton Head Island. Despite the early setback, C.T. Pan navigated the challenges of Harbour Town to claim his first PGA Tour victory. With a final score of 12-under 272, he edged out Matt Kuchar by a single stroke, marking a breakthrough moment in his career.
2014: Kuchar’s buzzer-beater victory
A washout on Friday afternoon forced a delay in the second round, disrupting the tournament schedule. However, Matt Kuchar found a way to seize victory in dramatic fashion. With Luke Donald in contention, Kuchar holed a stunning bunker shot on the 18th hole in the final round to claim the plaid jacket. His 11-under 273 secured a one-stroke win, capping off a thrilling finish.
1980: A Monday playoff in the rain
Relentless rain plagued the 1980 tournament, turning Harbour Town into a soggy test of patience and skill. The adverse conditions stretched play into Monday, forcing the tournament’s first-ever playoff. After 72 grueling holes, Doug Tewell and Jerry Pate battled it out on an extra hole, with Tewell ultimately prevailing to claim his maiden PGA Tour victory.
1972: Miller prevails in a rain-soaked battle
The 1972 tournament was defined by persistent rain, which led to multiple stoppages and tested the endurance of the players. Johnny Miller, known for his precision ball-striking, navigated the wet conditions better than the rest of the field. His steady play earned him a 3-under 283, securing the title by a single stroke in a battle against the elements.
