While the PGA Tour’s Heritage Classic, played annually at Sea Pines, is still in search of a title tournament sponsor, there have been several positive developments for the tournament over the past few weeks.

Jim Furyk, the 2010 winner of the Heritage, was named Player of the Year on the PGA Tour. Furyk, of course, will be back to defend his title in April, which provides a huge boost in terms of credibility for the 2011 tournament field. Along those same lines, the Tour named Rickie Fowler, another big fan of the Heritage and a regular in the field, Rookie of the Year.

Finally, in a wonderful display of support for the tournament, South Carolina native and 2009 U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover was on-hand at the tournament’s annual Sponsor Day. The fact that Glover volunteered his time to appear at the event speaks volumes in terms of just how much Tour players love their annual trip to Hilton Head Island. 

Order your tickets now for the 2011 Heritage Classic, and find out why this is one of the most special weeks of the year on the PGA Tour.

They might be shortest holes in terms of yardage, but par 3s often provide the most drama on the golf course. From a once-in-a-lifetime ace to a score-busting quadruple bogey or worse, par 3s can make or break a round of golf.

Here are a few of my favorite par 3s in the Upstate of South Carolina: 

2nd Hole at Verdae Greens — This 200-yard hole is a challenge in its own right, but the fact that it comes at the very beginning of the round makes it even tougher. Water stretches all the way from the tee to the front of the green, which makes the long hole even more intimidating. 

6th Hole at River Falls Golf Club — While it’s the shortest hole on the course at only 133 yards from the tips, the 6th at River Falls is much more harder than it appears. Any lapse in accuracy, and your shot is most likely to find the tall grass just off the right of the green, or the creek that runs to the left and behind. 

17th Hole at Walker Course of Clemson University — If you’ve kept up with my blog, you probably already know that my heart lies with the Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina. However, even I have to admit that the 17th hole at Clemson is very definition of a signature hole. Instantly memorable with the sand traps and green forming a Tiger Paw, the hole is as difficult as it is beautiful.

The Plantation Course on Edisto Island is one of the most aptly named courses on the South Carolina coast. Carved out amidst the beautifully natural scenery of Edisto, the Plantation Course immediately makes golfers feel at home.

The Tom Jackson-designed course sits in the middle of the island, surrounded by the protected lands, wildlife and beaches that have made Edisto a popular vacation spot for families who return year after year. In fact, Edisto’s tight-knit community, combined with the lack of commercialism, make the entire experience even more special.

With water coming into play on 12 holes and fairways that demand accuracy, the course is as challenging as any other course you’ll find on the coast. But it also is enjoyable for players at all levels. In fact, Jackson did a wonderful job of creating a course that vacationers would want to play each year for a week or two at a time.

Speaking of vacations, planning a golf vacation to Edisto is even more convenient with the recently built Plantation Villas. These 4 bedroom/4 bath villas are next to the golf course, as well as two restaurants and the beach, making it ideal for those who want to simply park the car and enjoy their vacation. 

Click here for more information on the Plantation Course and its great “Stay and Play” packages.

If the crowds and madness of the holiday season have finally become too much for you, or if you are looking for a new tradition to start with your family, you might want to consider taking advantage of the great holiday deals and activities at Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island.

Habour Town, home to the PGA’s annual Heritage Classic, is an amazing place any time of year, but during the holidays it is even more special. As part of the Festival of Lights, which lasts through early January, the waterfront and harbour become an amazing festive display, with lights and decorations adorning everything imaginable.

And now, through the end of December, the Inn at Harbour Town is one of the best deals on the coast, with rates starting at only $139/night. The four-star (and four diamond) rated Inn is also convenient to the famous Harbour Town Golf Links, one of the top rated courses in the country.

So grab the family and golf clubs, and enjoy the holidays in true coastal style.

It is no secret that Harbour Town Golf Links is one of the finest golf courses in the country. In fact, the Hilton Head Island course is routinely ranked as a top course in every golf publication imaginable. However, the fact that it is also one of the few annual PGA Tournament courses open for public play is what makes it truly special.

When you mention the 18th hole at Harbour Town, several things come to mind — the iconic view down the fairway, the famous striped lighthouse towering over the green, the Calibogue Sound, the world’s best golfers making that final round walk.

The narrow fairway, the precarious approach, and the wind off the water have made for more than a few dramatic finishes at the Heritage. It is known as one of the toughest finishing holes on the PGA Tour. To thousands of average golfers a year, though, the design elements of the 18th are less important than simply playing the hole, because it allows them that rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of golf’s greatest players, while playing one of golf’s greatest holes. 

Click here to make your own memory.