Bluffton golfer Brian Campbell makes RBC Heritage debut at Harbour Town
Familiar faces from around town can be found among the crowds at RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. But this year, a local face can be recognized out on the course. Brian Campbell, a Bluffton resident and first timer at Harbour Town Golf Links, is taking a swing at this years’ tournament.
After the morning wave of players finished, Campbell was alone in third place for a brief period before former FedExCup champion Justin Thomas tied the course record with a 10-under 61 in the early afternoon.
Just last week, Campbell played for the first time in The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, securing a top 50 finish in 32nd place. This week, he will make secure another first, making his debut at Hilton Head’s signature golf event.
The 32-year-old is from Irvine, California. He played college golf at the University of Illinois from 2011-2014 and turned pro in 2015. After joining the PGA tour in 2017, Campbell has played 33 events, bringing in his first win earlier this year at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld.
Since the February win, Campbell’s life as a golfer has completely changed.
“Its just been a whirlwind,” he told The Island Packet after finishing the first round, when he sat in third place. “After winning, all of a sudden you’re thinking ‘We’re going to The Masters.’ That has been the biggest change. Preparing for a venue like that.”
Campbell moved to Bluffton two and a half years ago, in part to follow his parents who moved to the area years earlier and in part to improve his game on Bermuda grass. He said he also loves playing among the beauty of the Lowcountry, especially the moss covered trees. He plays out of the Colleton River Club.
He is one of the lowest ranking players on the tour in driving distance, but sits among the top 50 players on the tour for putting, according to the PGA Tour wesbite. His overall rank is 107th.
In the first round, Campbell teed off at 8:10 a.m. He was paired with Sami Valimaki. In the second round, Campbell will start at 11:20 a.m.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM.
