Sea Pines Resort, which includes Harbour Town Golf Links, host of the RBC Heritage, has seen "nearly $30 million" spent on improvements to the course since '05, and Resort President Steve Birdwell said that plans "call for another $30
million to $50 million to be spent in the next few years for more
upgrades," according to Gina Smith of the Hilton Head ISLAND PACKET. Sea Pines officials said that the improvements are "part of an islandwide resurgence that will help ensure" the tournament "stays put." Sea Pines in '11 "signed a five-year contract to remain the tournament's home." Sea Pines has "shifted into high gear, improving its facilities and golf courses" since then. Tournament Dir Steve Wilmot said that the improvements "make it more likely the tournament's long history in Sea Pines will continue for the foreseeable future." He added that the upgrades "come about a year to 18 months before the tournament is set to begin negotiations to renew its title-sponsor contract with RBC and its contract with Sea Pines for the use of Harbour Town." Wilmot: "Sponsors will see the commitment the resort is making, and it will make a difference. Sea Pines is truly stepping up." Planned and ongoing work includes "rebuilding the clubhouse at the Pete Dye-designed Harbour Town Golf Links, where the tournament is played." If plans are "approved by resort and town officials, the new club will include locker rooms on the first floor that members and guests will use throughout the year, and a larger locker room on the second floor for the PGA Tour pros that will serve as a special-events room other times of the year." The clubhouse also will "feature an expanded pro shop, a pub and grill, and ballroom where tournament sponsors can entertain" (Hilton Head ISLAND PACKET, 4/15).
