Tough times on the links: Verizon Heritage may have fewer dollars to offer charity

This year's Verizon Heritage golf tournament didn't sell out and had fewer sponsorship dollars than in previous years, which could mean less money handed out to charities this year, tournament officials said Tuesday.

Steve Wilmot, tournament director, cited the national economy as one of the reasons sponsorship money was down by $250,000, although he hopes the support returns in 2009.

Proceeds from the tournament are doled out each year by the Heritage Classic Foundation to charities and for scholarships to local students. The foundation has donated $1.8 million to charity and around $250,000 in scholarships in each of the past two years.

Though the tournament didn't sell out as it has in the last two years, attendance was only slightly less than its usual 135,000 people, Wilmot said.

It will take four to six weeks to count revenue and pay bills. Officials can then figure out exactly where this year's tournament stands financially, Wilmot said.

As for the tournament's effect on the hospitality-related businesses on the island, companies reported mixed results.

Occupancy at the Crowne Plaza Resort on Hilton Head Island ran above 80 percent, a bit softer than in years when Easter fell the week of or before the tournament, said Joe Kramer, resort director of sales and marketing.

Those results were "a little disappointing," and the resort will work to bring in more business groups for future Verizon Heritage weekends, Kramer said.

Ken Nason, director of sales and marketing at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, also reported occupancy rates in the 80-percent range.

The Hilton Oceanfront Resort reported occupancy of roughly 99 percent, up a few points from last year, said Mike Regli, resort director of sales and marketing. More recreational travelers were added to the resort's solid group business, Regli said.

At restaurants, it was Heritage business as usual.

"Our numbers were pretty consistent with last year's numbers," said Steve Carb, president of the Southeast Entertainment Restaurant Group. The group includes Marleys Island Grille, Frankie Bones and the Black Marlin Bayside Grill.

Marleys did get a boost to the bottom line: Tournament winner Boo Weekley had a celebratory dinner there Sunday night, Carb said.

Islandwide, restaurant reservations during tournament week were up, and those businesses hope to continue that momentum, said Ann-Marie Adams-Arrington, executive director of the Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association.

"Overall, I think it was a very positive experience from everyone I've heard from so far," she said.

The tournament has always been viewed as a big boost to get the tourist season started.

An economic study by Clemson University in 2005 said it produced $84 million in sales, a number that has probably risen over the years.

"The economic impact of the Verizon Heritage only continues to grow," said Bill Miles, president and CEO of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.

The tournament also means more national exposure for the island. Inquiries to the chamber spike during and after it.

"You can't place a price tag on the outstanding coverage we get on national TV throughout the week," Miles said.