Verizon Heritage History
The 2009 Verizon Heritage golf tournament is South Carolinas only PGA tour event, and is one of the premier golf events in the country.
The tournament has changed its name no less than seven times since 1969:
- Heritage Classic: 1969 – 1970
- Sea Pines Heritage Classic: 1971 – 1986
- MCI Heritage Classic: 1987 – 1994
- MCI Classic The Heritage of Golf: 1995 – 2000
- WORLDCOM Classic: 2001 – 2002
- MCI Heritage: 2003 – 2005
- Verizon Heritage: since 2006
The Verizon Heritage Course has always been the Harbour Town Golf Links. Pete Dye, in consultation with Jack Nicklaus, designed the course, which is often cited by PGA tour professionals as one of their favourites.
The Harbour Town Golf Links is located in one of Americas premier getaways, the Sea Pines Resort, which is on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island.
In Verizon Heritage history, several champions of the tournament have been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Great champions such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Bernard Langer and the late Payne Stewart have all been honoured.
Heritage Classic Foundation
The Heritage Classic Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was formed in 1987 to save the tournament from financial trouble. The foundation now provides financial stability and direction to the tournament. After each tournament, the foundation distributes a large portion of the tournament proceeds to numerous worthy charitable groups, universities and medical institutions.
Since its inception, the Heritage Classic Foundation has donated close to US$15 million to charities. With the continued support of the players, sponsors, spectators and volunteers, the tournament is confident of continuing this tradition for many years to come.
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