Arnold Palmer Wins the Inaugural Heritage Classic at Pete Dye’s Harbour Town Golf Links

On November 30, 1969, Arnold Palmer captured the very first Heritage Classic at the newly opened Harbour Town Golf Links — a defining moment not only for the tournament, but for Pete Dye’s emerging legacy as one of golf’s most innovative architects.

Palmer’s three-shot victory instantly elevated Harbour Town onto the world stage. The course, designed by Pete Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus, was unlike anything on the PGA TOUR at the time: tight corridors, strategic angles, railroad-tie bulkheads, and small, exacting greens. The King’s endorsement through his play — and his win — helped validate Dye’s bold vision for modern golf course architecture.

Palmer’s triumph became the spark that shaped Harbour Town’s identity and paved the way for the RBC Heritage to become one of golf’s most beloved traditions.

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this historic moment and recognize the lasting connection between Arnold Palmer and Pete Dye’s visionary design.