The Players Amateur is recognized as one of the finest amateur golf events in the country.  It was founded in 1999, when Berkeley Hall Members Duke Delcher and Tom McKnight, discussed the possibility of bringing a world-class invitational golf tournament to Hilton Head Island. At the time, they were Members of the Walker Cup Team and in Pebble Beach, CA.competing at the US Amateur Championship.

The following year, their vision became a reality, as the first tournament was won by former British Open Champion, Ben Curtis and since that time, this national event continued to grow in stature. In 2004, the Heritage Classic Foundation agreed to assume responsibility for organizing and administrating the tournament, and offers the winner an exemption to play in the RBC Heritage the following year.

Many of the past participants and winners of the Players Amateur have graduated to the PGA TOUR, including such notables as Kyle Stanley, Camilo Villegas, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kucher, Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Nick Watney, Lucas Glover, J. B. Holmes, D.J. Trahan, Mark Anderson, and Bud Cauley. It has been exciting to follow their careers as PGA Tour professionals.

The Heritage Classic Foundation was formed in 1987 as a 501 (c) (3), Not-For-Profit organization, it serves as the operational and financial oversight group for The Heritage, the PGA TOUR event on Hilton Head Island. The Foundation distributes all charitable funds generated from the tournaments. Donations total more than $22 million since 1987. Click here for information regarding the levels of sponsorship that are available, including playing spots in the Contestant – Amateur Tournament. 

Berkeley Hall is a proud to host such a prestigious event and have the opportunity once again, to give something back to this great game. The public is welcome to attend the event free of charge.