By BRANDON PARKER
bparker@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5536
For the first time in the Verizon Heritage’s already-rich history, a victory at Harbour Town Golf Links will make one fortunate golfer into a millionaire.
The $1.02 million prize awaiting this year’s winner is a far cry from the $20,000 awarded to Arnold Palmer when he won the inaugural Heritage in 1969, but of course, much has changed since then.
By SCOTT HAMILTON
shamilton@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5533
After spending the past 15 years as a regular on the PGA Tour, Jim Furyk says his unusual golf swing is old news. Now he simply wants to be known being a consistent golfer.
“I think if you look at my record over the years that I’ve been on tour, the consistency is something I’m definitely proud of,” Furyk said. “I’ve had a lot of good years, and it’s lasted for a good stretch, but I’m hoping to make that last a lot longer. Still got a few good ones out here I think.”
By SAM McDOWELL
smcdowell@islandpacket.com
843-706-8123
If you ignored the curly, brown mop of hair on top of his head and his boyish looks, you’d guess Rory McIlroy has been at this awhile.
If you observed his demeanor and read his thoughts on being a teenage golf sensation, your opinion likely wouldn’t change.
But believe it or not, the Northern Ireland golfer is just 19 years old.
And he’s enjoying every second of being in the limelight at this stage in his young career.
Hilton Head Island and the Verizon Heritage will be given prime television exposure throughout the United States and around the world when this year’s PGA Tour event is broadcast live for 16 hours over four days.
Four additional hours of live coverage will air on The Golf Channel.
“Our overall exposure is going to be up,” Heritage tournament information director Arnie Burdick said. “This tournament is going to be seen all over the globe. Hilton Head and the state of South Carolina couldn’t ask for more publicity or exposure. You couldn’t pay for this.”
By JUSTIN JARRETT
jjarrett@islandpacket.com
843-706-8120
When Brandt Snedeker came to Harbour Town Golf Links last spring, his third-place showing and tearful outpouring on Sunday at the Masters Tournament fresh in golf fans’ minds, it seemed a star had been born.
His charge to the top of the leaderboard at Augusta National Golf Club last April — and his subsequent fall from that perch, as well as the emotional press conference that followed — made him one of the sport’s most recognizable young players.
Round 1
Leaders: Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Lucas Glover (-5)
Followers: Anthony Kim, John Rollins, Stewart Cink, Tim Herron, Camilo Villegas, Jay Williamson, Brian Davis, Mathias Gronberg, Nick Dougherty, Charles Howell III (-4)
What happened: The usual suspects show their skill as former Heritage champions Justin Leonard and Davis Love III jump out to an early lead along with Clemson star Lucas Glover. In all, 58 players broke par, taking advantage of an atypical day at Harbour Town Golf Links, in which the wind remained relatively calm.
Round 2
A number of factors make the Verizon Heritage an attractive event for PGA Tour golfers, from the laid-back atmosphere a week after the tightly-wound Masters, to the almost universally loved Harbour Town Golf Links — and don’t forget the Heritage’s status as an invitational event.
By SAM McDOWELL
smcdowell@islandpacket.com
843-706-8123
Matt Jager referred to himself as an intense competitor during last summer’s Players Amateur at Belfair Golf Club’s East Course. But in one of the most significant tournaments of his life, he couldn’t help but laugh and enjoy an opponent’s remarkable performance.
Mark Anderson’s day simply warranted his attention.
By BRANDON PARKER
bparker@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5536
Fresh off a 31⁄2-month layoff and minutes removed from an impressive round of 7-under par 66 golf at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in January, it’s more than likely that the Verizon Heritage was far from D.J. Trahan’s mind.
Still, based on the 28-year-old’s words during that winter day in Hawaii, one couldn’t help but wonder.
By LANCE HANLIN
lhanlin@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5540
Two-time defending champion Boo Weekley may be a funny guy, but his golf game is no joke, especially at Harbour Town Golf Links.
His swing has changed some over the years, but two basics remain. One is to keep his head steady. The other is to make a controlled hip turn. To unlock the other secrets of his championship swing, we first looked to the best in the business — Tiger Woods swing coach Hank Haney.
