It’s April. We can finally breathe (other than the fact that, due to pollen and allergy season, it’s kind of hard to breathe, but y’all get it).
I’ve spent a few weeks trying to think of a way to accurately describe Hilton Head’s Coachella, a.k.a. the RBC Heritage. I really don’t know if I’ll be able to do it justice, but we’ll do our best, right? Right.
I’m one of the very fortunate few who got to grow up here and spend their entire childhood and now early adult life in our little 12-mile-long safe haven. I constantly get asked how it was, if it was a fun place to grow up, and how we spent our time. People have asked me if there were schools here, y’all. Not kidding. (I’m tempted to answer, “Nope, I lived in the woods and just hoped for the best.” Hello?) But one thing and one thing only always came to mind when discussing our local traditions: The RBC Heritage.
There’s quite a stark contrast between being in eighth grade and wearing your best Lilly Pulitzer, insanely large J. Crew or Charming Charlie statement necklace, and Jack Rogers footwear to get sunburn on your shoulders while walking around with your friends and taking a couple of unfortunate, blackmail-inducing photos, to being 22 and finding shade that’s closest to the Tito’s tent.
I started receiving texts in February about what to wear, and by March the island’s spray tanner was probably fully booked. It will be a massive last-minute affair to find a sweat-proof dress and stock up on blister Band-Aids. (Can someone with more scientific knowledge than I have please explain why the shoes I have worn countless times for two years gave me the world’s worst blisters last year?)
Also, if you wear actual, legitimate heels to Heritage, I do not trust you. At all. I admire you, but I cannot justify or sign off on that psychotic behavior. We’ll get to the full-plaid ensemble wearers later. Frankly I’d wear it too – if I could pull it off without looking like a strangely shaped Christmas gift.
Let’s keep a few things between us, okay? No one goes to only watch golf.
Writer Laney Sewell with her friend Emily Krepfle at the RBC Heritage in 2017.
Before anyone panics, I know people love to golf for reasons other than getting some sun and having a few drinks, but I don’t fully believe it. Even if you’re walking the course with the leaders and keeping up with the score, is it not even the slightest bit of a social outing for you? Maybe?
It’s the year’s biggest social event around here and it’s probably the closest thing we will ever have to New York Fashion Week. People start planning their outfits for the next year almost as soon as the tournament ends. It’s absurd, it’s extra, it honestly makes no sense, but that’s Hilton Head for you. Truly nothing brings the community together like exchanging greetings of “Oh my gosh, it’s so hot” and “Haven’t seen you in soooo long” while walking the course for what seems like the millionth time that day. From the Hilton Head Island High School athletes working early morning parking to the local businesses working booths, there really is nothing like it.
A beautiful view of the Harbour Town Lighthouse at sunset.
We all know someone, or a group of people, that go to the tournament every single day. Even the practice rounds. First of all, how many days of PTO do y’all have? Might need to work on negotiating that one in the future. Secondly, how do you have the energy for five different outfits? I am realizing now that what you wear isn’t as big a spectacle for some, which is insane, but I also am jealous. I don’t think my nervous system knows the difference between being hunted for sport and picking out an outfit for an event where I know pictures will be taken.
Thank goodness the days of dressing up every weekend for Clemson football games and sorority functions are over. That was tough, and those who had to experience that firsthand deserve serious financial compensation.
Then, of course, are the one- or two-day attendees, who enjoy the tournament Friday or Saturday (I’ll file myself here) then avoid Sea Pines like the plague the remaining days. There’s also the group of people who refuse to go at all, which I can also understand. Crowds are a lot. Going to New York for more than three days is far too much for me.
Laney Sewell and her boyfriend Jack Braun take in the tournament last year.
If I had to sum it up in one word, that word would be “tradition.” I mean, since 1969 our little island has thrown quite the party! Growing up here and working in the tourism industry surely gave me a bit of a different perspective, but now that I’m on the other side of food and beverage and retail (thank the Lord!), it’s been eye-opening to see how much our local community depends on the tournament and its success. We’re all affected, from bike rentals and small clothing boutiques to large hotels, resorts, and restaurants, we all work together to pull it off – and it gets bigger every year. I am especially thankful for the volunteers who get up and give it their best continuously. I might roll my eyes at a $14 beer, but we’re stimulating the economy so it’s fine! We’re fine!
We finally got through the coldest and rainiest winter here that I can remember, and we made it to the best months of the year! Soak it all in before humidity slaps you in the face when you exit a building. I am ready for sundress season, though not ready to walk outside and have my phone be slippery.
Hope everyone has a wonderful time at the tournament! Wear your sunscreen, drink lots of water, drink enough electrolytes, wear heels if you’re certifiably insane, wear plaid if you can pull it off (I’m jealous; I love a theme), and enjoy it! It will be over far too fast. Spring is in full swing, and brighter days are ahead.
