58th annual RBC Heritage officially begins with iconic opening ceremony
Event highlighted by parade of bagpipers and ceremonial tee shot at Harbour Town Golf Links
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. —
It’s time to get your plaid on at the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.
The RBC Heritage officially kicked things off Tuesday afternoon with the iconic opening ceremony on the 18th green.
There is no other sight like it on the PGA Tour: the parade of Citadel Bagpipers leading the parade of tournament officials and other dignitaries, signaling the official beginning of the RBC Heritage.
But that is not the only tradition that makes the opening ceremony stand out.
Defending champion Justin Thomas fired the ceremonial tee shot into the Calibogue Sound along with cannon fire.
“It was cool,” said Thomas. “You know, same thing I’m sure everybody says, it was very loud and it scared me pretty bad. But I was pretty pleased with my shot. I had no idea what it was going to be like — both swinging in that jacket and hitting a, a persimmon club like that.”
And for Thomas, coming back to Harbour Town has special memories for him after his thrilling win on the first playoff hole last year.
“I remember last year, the fans, you guys really kind of pushed me through, may it somehow feel like a home event, which is pretty cool and pretty unique,” said Thomas.
In addition to being cool and unique, the opening ceremony means it’s go time at Harbour Town.
“It sets the tone for the week,” said Steve Wilmot, tournament director for the RBC Heritage. “The weather’s been great. We have great competition this week. JT has been wonderful, but it also sends a message to this community as to what this tournament means for this community.”
So, another RBC Heritage opening ceremony is in the books. That now means it’s time to get on with the action. There will be a Pro-Am out here Wednesday, and then it will all begin with tournament action Thursday with Round 1 at Harbour Town.