BY STEVE WILMOT
The 2022 RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing is the week you’ve been waiting for.
The excitement and traditions are back.
From the ceremonious opening boom of the classic cannon to the championwinning putt in the final round, everyone’s teed up for a legendary time.
COVID-19 brought great perspective for all of us: Community is so important, especially through the biggest challenges. To have the opportunity to welcome our fans back to the grounds is an honor.
South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event is taking place April 11-17 over the famed Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. The annual event is operated by the Heritage Classic Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting educational and charitable initiatives to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality throughout South Carolina.
Due to the incredible community support the tournament received in 2021, we have been able to increase the matching gifts to 15% for our two charitable giving programs (Birdies for Charity and Champions Fore Charity) and continue to enhance the lives of families and individuals across the state who need it most. The effects from the nearly two-year-long pause that the coronavirus forced on our community will be felt for some time, and many of our neighbors are still working hard to rebuild their lives.
Plaid Nation is the fabric of our community and one of the reasons why we can improve the lives of those living in South Carolina. Since 1987, we’ve distributed $47.5 million to nearly 100 nonprofits across the state, and we are proud to report we distributed $1.7 million to those in need in 2021, despite the challenges we faced due to COVID-19.
Your commitment to Plaid Nation is helping feed families who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. It’s investing in the future of our great state and fostering youth scholars to strive for excellence in their education. These are our future leaders. It’s supporting healthcare, the arts, culture, history, the environment, and so much more that provide sustainability and purpose. We all have a responsibility to our community, our neighbors and each other. Plaid Nation is a community in and of itself, and what a year it is to celebrate that. Fans attending the RBC Heritage will feel a sense of normalcy because our beloved traditions are back.
Fans will be able to enjoy The Citadel bagpipes at the opening ceremony and the boom of the cannon as threetime champion Stewart Cink tees off into the Calibogue Sound.
Kids will be able to putt with the pros and Plaid Nation will once again gather for fun and games Saturday on the Heritage Lawn. We are so excited to welcome you back to Plaid Nation.
Steve Wilmot is tournament director of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.
