If you are coming to the The WorldCom Classic -- The Heritage of Golf in Hilton Head, here are some helpful hints and information you will need to know before you go.
Tickets
No single-day tickets to the tournament will be sold, and tournament badges will be limited to 25,000.Practice round and pro-am tickets are $35 and entitle the holder to attend all three practice rounds, including pro-ams and opening ceremonies. Season badges are $100 and are good for admission to the tournament for the entire week. The Clubhouse badge, which includes admission to the grounds, clubhouse and Heritage Pavilion, are $150.
Tip #1: If you're serious about seeing golf, go for the season badge. Season badge holders can't roam the clubhouse, but otherwise they're entitled to every privilege the clubhouse badge holders have. Clubhouse badge does offer one additional perk: Access to large screen TVs and restroom facilities.
Tip #2: Treat the family to the days set aside for the practice rounds -- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The pros, many of whom will have just finished a grueling week at the Masters, will be more relaxed, more entertaining and more apt to sign autographs than they will be Thursday through Sunday, when money is on the line. The early days are also good for walking and observing one of the world's most respected golf courses without the crush of the crowd. There are some changes this week. The traditional
cannon firing and defending champ's shot into the Calibogue Sound will move from Tuesday to Monday at noon. Also added is the Celebrity Skins Challenge. Starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday over the front nine, the format will have eight players, either eight professionals or six pros and two celebrities. Harbour Town Cup Pro-Am is set for Monday at noon, and the MCI Classic Pro-Am is all day Wednesday.
Tip #3: Grandstands are available, but seating is still limited. If you must have a seat, arrive early and stake out a spot.
Rules for spectators
General golf course etiquette applies to all spectators, including remaining still throughout each shot and not moving until all players have played or holed out. Cameras are allowed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but are forbidden during the days of actual competition because they distract the golfers. Other no-nos include radios or Walkmans, signs or banners, cellular phones and coolers. Other suggestions: no running, display badge at all times, remain still throughout each shot and do not move until all players have holed out, kneel or sit if you are in the front row of bleachers or next to the gallery rope.
Autographs
An Autograph policy is in effect for official competition rounds. A player may not sign autographs after the start of his round until it is completed except at his option during a suspension of play. The designated Autograph Area is directly behind the 18th green.
Best vantage points
The largest collection of bleachers is located, obviously, at the 18th green. Tournament officials said other sets of stands would be scattered throughout the course. The 13th hole has a fair-sized set of bleachers, as does the 16th green.
Format
Beginning Thursday, eligible golfers will play 72 holes of stroke play, one 18-hole round per day through Sunday. After Friday's second round, the field of 120 will be cut to the low 70 competitors and ties for the final two rounds. In the event of a tie after Sunday's final round, a sudden death playoff will be conducted beginning at the 18th hole.
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Click image for the enlarged parking map of Sea Pines.
Map courtesy of the Savannah Morning News
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Course
Harbour Town Golf Links was designed by Pete Dye with assistance from Jack Nicklaus. The par 71 (36-35) layout is 6,916 yards in length, somewhat short by PGA Tour standards, but is no less demanding because of its narrow fairways, numerous water and sand hazards and small, protected greens. Unpredictable winds also come into play throughout the course. Set inside Sea Pines Plantation on the southwest tip of Hilton Head Island, Harbour Town is as picturesque as it is challenging. The course winds through pines, palms and oaks and closes with two picture-postcard holes situated on the Calibogue Sound.
Purse
There is a total purse of $3,000,000, $540,000 of which goes to the winner.
Field
One hundred and twenty (approximately) invited players comprise the Classic's invitational field. Players secure invitations by meeting at least one of 17 categories of eligibility.
Facilities
There will be portable toilets spread throughout the grounds. A number of pay telephones will be installed specifically for the tournament.
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