Every year, the PGA Tour gathers at Hilton Head Island, S.C., to play a tournament at one of the best golf courses in the world. Harbour Town Golf Links has hosted the Heritage Classic since 1969 and has seen plenty of great finishes in its day.
The biggest problem on the course is the wind. The final hole has a huge grandstand layout, a lighthouse in the background and plenty of wind blowing out to the Atlantic. It's almost like St. Andrews in Scotland.
Davis Love III has entered the Heritage 25 straight years, a record for the course. He also holds the distinction of being the only five-time winner of the tournament dating back to his first win at Harbour Town in 1987, his first professional victory.
His last win at the Heritage Classic is one of the most memorable. On the very last hole, Love needed a chip in to force a playoff against fellow American Woody Austin. You can see video of his shot here on the PGA website.
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It was far from easy—Love had to chip going towards the ocean. He had to keep his shot low so it wouldn't be affected by the wind. The ball rolled steadily towards the cup and fell and the golfers went to a playoff.
The sudden death playoff lasted four holes. Both men bogeyed the third hole in the playoff until Love III hit a huge 7-iron to within three feet of the cup. Ironically, the winner's brother Mark Love was his caddy for the week as his regular took a week off.
It was a memorable Love family affair at the 2003 Heritage. Love III is one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour and has 20 victories to his credit. He will be playing the Harbour Town Links again this year.
Traditionally, the Heritage happens shortly after the Masters towards the beginning of the season. The way this year has gone on the PGA Tour, anyone can win on one of the most fabled courses on the Tour. Love III will always be considered one of the favorites to win as he owns the course.
The Heritage is from April 21 to 24, 2011. Hilton Head Island is one of the premier spots for golf as several courses beckon tourists to descend upon the storied beaches and links every year starting in the spring.
