Next generation of potential golf pros tee off at RBC Heritage on Hilton Head
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The RBC Heritage on Hilton Head
From the PGA Tour event’s history on Hilton Head Island to how to get tickets now, here’s everything you need to know about this week’s event.
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Finn is 2 years old. He’ll be 3 in June. As he waited in line to play mini golf at the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head, he didn’t have much to say about whether he liked to play golf or who his favorite golf player.
Finn and his family are from New Jersey, and they just arrived on a plane for the big golf tournament the day before.
RBC Heritage, Hilton Head’s biggest annual golf tournament, draws thousands of spectators big and small. For the little ones, event organizers set up a kid’s mini golf course near the 10th hole.
They may have come to watch professional golfers from around the world take on the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links, but for many small children, this small five-hole course was the most exciting thing they’d seen all day.
One of few attractions for children at the tournament, the five-hole course was quite popular Wednesday morning. Children waited in line, some alone, some with their families. They ranged from toddlers to preteens.
When it was his turn to play, Finn got a big smile on his face and reached for the putter. He was just barely taller than the club; the end of the handle came up to his shoulder. With his two tiny hands wide apart, he gripped the putter awkwardly out in front of him. His mom corrected his form and helped him make his first shot.
The ball flew across the bright blue artificial turf, hitting the edge and whirling around the corner, coming to a stop being a faux stack of bronze cannonballs. His next shot was going to be tough. Could he navigate around the obstacle?
Finn had a plan. He simply bent down, picked up the golf ball, and placed it down a few inches from the flag. Then he used the putter like a broom to push it into the hole.
Another big smile spread across his face. His methods may have been unconventional, but he got the ball in the hole nonetheless.
Parents hope young daughter takes up golf
Some families at the mini golf station didn’t have to travel as far for the tournament.
Sea Pines residents Melissa and Taylor Whitehead, met on Hilton Head Island and take their family to RBC Heritage every year. They both love to play golf, although with two children, they have less time for the sport these days.
Wearing a big plaid bow, 4-year-old Carter Ann navigated the course with ease. Sawyer, her 21-month-old brother, lagged behind, struggling to hold the putter.
Their parents hope both of them will take up a love for the sport, especially Carter Ann. Hundreds of girls golf scholarships go unused every year, Melissa Whitehead said.
“We’re definitely hoping she takes the lead,” she said.
We asked Carter Ann who her favorite golf player is.
“I don’t have one because I don’t even know all their names,” Carter Ann said.
Her dad, Taylor, went up and whispered something in her ear.
“Jordan Spieth,” she told The Packet.
