Steve Wilmot - The PGA Tour’s longest standing Tournament Director discusses the early years, what many don’t know about the Heritage Classic, and why ‘Yes’ is always the answer.

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It's not about me, it's about WE."
- Steve Wilmot Tournament Director
RBC Heritage, Presented by Boeing

​Steve Wilmot is not only the Tournament Director of the RBC Heritage, presented by Boeing, (Sponsors: RBC - Royal Bank of Canada and Boeing) but he’s also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. In his 34 years of being involved in the Heritage Classic and the Heritage Classic Foundation, he has seen it all. In today’s interview he discusses how important the community is to him and the tournament, the two times the tournament almost didn’t happen, his ‘team’ style of management and a whole lot more. Mention his name to anyone in the Hilton Head area, the state of South Carolina or at PGA Tour headquarters and the first thing they will do is smile. It’s a testament to him as a human being as well as his total dedication to the Heritage Classic and its Foundation.

​This podcast is brought to you in part by Old South Golf Links. A short ride across the bridge from Hilton Head Island is one of the areas finest golf courses, and a hidden treasure. Set up on towering pines and ancient oaks with sweeping marsh vistas truly makes Old South Golf Links a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. The Clyde Johnston design was named one of the Top 10 New Public Courses when it opened, it also takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the Low Country. Old South is also a fun and unique challenge for golfers of every level and a favorite of both locals and visitors. The finishing stretch has some of the most scenic and toughest holes in the area. The par four 16th is classic target golf with fairway placement off the tee crucial to success. Tidal marshland’s the length of #17 and prevailing winds determine club selection and scoring. Whether its your first time here or you’re a regular you will be treated and feel like family. From the bag drop to check-in at the fully stocked pro shop with both men’s and women’s apparel to breakfast or lunch before or after your round the staff is ready to help you. Experience for yourself why Old South is one of the premiere golf courses in the Hilton Head area and why it will quickly become a favorite of yours too. Visit them in person or online at www.oldsouthgolf.com  or call the pro shop at 843-785-5353. 

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​Any questions, feedback or insight from this episode? What did you learn most and what did you like best? What should be added for future episodes? Please post your answer in the 'Comments' below:

Scroll down for links and Show Notes

SHOW NOTES & Links:

• ​​He's always been a 'Southerner'  [06:20]
• From being Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to getting into golf  [07:20]
• The road to Hilton Head Island and the Heritage Classic [10:01]
• How a diverse background helped in his current position as Tournament Director  [11:20]
• Developing his staff; from intern to employees  [13:20]
• Being a work-a-holic and finding time to enjoy Hilton Head Island and life  [16:20]
• His mentors along the way that he works hard for every day; Joe Frazier, Cartha Dekly 'Deek' DeLoach, Angus Cotton, and John Curry and the formation of the Heritage Classic Tournament & Foundation.
• Simon Sinek 'It Starts with Why' - TED Talk  - Book: 'Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action'  
• The best advice Steve's ever received [24:40]
• Is he the longest standing Tournament Director on the PGA Tour?  [26:03]
• What's the best part about his job? [29:25]
• Was it a goal to become the biggest event in the state or did he take it one step at a time?  [31:25]
• Managing the pressures of a PGA Tour event [35:28]
• What are the biggest misconceptions about the tournament?  [38:15]
• How he and the tournament continue drawing marquee names [45:19]
• Getting help through the hard times [51:15]
• What keeps him motivated after 34 years and what a typical day is like?  [53:00]
• The reach of the RBC Heritage Classic has become worldwide [1:01:04]
• Learning how to say 'No' and the Sponsor Exemption process [1:04:10]
• What surprises him most about running a PGA Tour event  [1:09:13]
• Going sponsor less and what the economy fallout taught him about himself and the tournament  [1:11:15]
• Some of his favorite memories of the tournament [1:16:42]
• Being Chairman of the PGA Tour's Tour Advisory Council and the difference between the tournament and the Heritage Classic Foundation [1:22:00]
• Giving back to the community and charities  [1:27:25]
• His leadership philosophy and building trust with his staff, employees, and volunteers and is failure a good thing? [1:30:00]
• What would he tell the new Tournament Director Steve Wilmot of 34 years ago? [1:34:45]
• What's next for the Heritage Classic? [1:42:28]