Verizon Heritage Classic (2006-present): “Verizon” replaces “MCI” in the
tournament name. The new logo incorporates the Verizon company emblem with a full-length depiction of the “Gentleman Golfer,” affectionately called “Willie” by the tournament staff.
MCI Heritage (spring 2003 to Feb. 2, 2006): When WorldCom declared
bankruptcy in the wake of an accounting scandal in the summer of 2002, the
Heritage Classic Foundation dropped the besmirched telecommunications
company as its title sponsor. WorldCom reorganized under the banner of its
former subsidiary, MCI, and the company returned as title sponsor on the day before the start of the 2003 event.
The Heritage (summer 2002 through spring 2003): After WorldCom filed for
bankruptcy, this name and logo were used while the Heritage Classic
Foundation searched for a new title sponsor. Though the tournament was never officially played under this name, the logo appeared on much of the signage and apparel during tournament week because officials didn’t have time to make up new materials for MCI.
The WorldCom Classic — The Heritage of Golf (2001-2002): The longest and
most typographically awkward of the tournament’s monikers, the name change
followed WorldCom’s purchase of long distance company MCI.
The MCI Classic (1995-2000): Though the tournament was still often referred to as the “Heritage,” it wasn’t part of the official title for this five-year period.
MCI Heritage Classic (1987-1994): The second-longest used name was adopted
after MCI agreed to serve as title sponsor, rescuing the tournament from a
financial crisis that threatened to see the event relocated or eliminated.
Sea Pines Heritage Classic (1971-1986): The longest-running name was adopted as a marketing tool to publicize the surrounding plantation, which was developed by tournament founder Charles Fraser.
Heritage Classic (1969-1970): Fraser commissioned a study to show that
golf’s genesis in the United States took place in nearby Charleston, not in the Northeast as historians previously had asserted. Fraser played off the findings of his study and named the PGA Tour event he founded the “Heritage Classic.”
