RBC Heritage Classic’s impact on Lowcountry non-profits

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - The start of the RBC Heritage Classic at Harbour Town is just hours away, and Hilton Head Island is bracing for a packed week.

Thousands of fans are expected to make the island their home base as many of the world’s top golfers arrive to compete in one of the PGA Tour’s premier events.

But Heritage Week is about more than fairways and plaid.

Beyond the crowds and the competition, the tournament delivers a major impact for the surrounding community—fueling the local economy and helping fund charities across the Lowcountry.

A $135 million boost—and support for more than 100 local charities

Organizers expect this year’s tournament to generate an estimated $135 million economic boost for the island. At the same time, the event also helps raise money for more than 100 registered charities across the region.

Since 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has donated more than $61 million to organizations serving Lowcountry communities—money that supports programs far beyond the golf course.

How “Birdies for Charity” turns scores into support

One of the biggest drivers of charitable giving during the tournament is Birdies for Charity, a program that allows fans to pledge donations tied directly to play on the course.

Here’s how it works:

• Supporters choose a specific nonprofit.
• They pledge a dollar amount for each birdie made during the RBC Heritage.
• After the tournament, the Heritage Classic Foundation adds an extra 20% bonus to the total raised.

Last year, golfers combined for 1,161 birdies, turning into $361,000 for local nonprofits. Officials say they’re aiming to surpass that total this year.

Real Champions Inc.: mentoring kids and building futures

One nonprofit benefiting from the program is Real Champions Incorporated, a mentoring organization working in Jasper and Charleston counties for the past five years. The group currently mentors 92 students, focusing on college and career readiness and helping young people break the cycle of poverty.

Hannah Hall, the organization’s director of marketing, says support from the Heritage makes a tangible difference each year.

“When you invest in the life of a child, you invest in the future of your community.”

Hall says the funding helps provide educational resources and opportunities that students might not otherwise have access to.

“We’re able to put books in the hands of children. We’re able to have software that helps with reading and math to up their scores, and we are also able to provide tickets to cultural events… like museums or a small field trip… somewhere they may not have ever been or experienced before.”

What’s next at Harbour Town

Harbour Town’s course was closed to fans on Monday, but it reopens on Tuesday. The marquee event on Tuesday’s schedule is the Opening Ceremony at noon, officially kicking off the week’s festivities.

WTOC will bring you coverage throughout the tournament—from the opening moments to the last putt on 18—tracking every big shot, every plaid sighting, and the community impact happening beyond the ropes.