Home Away from Home at the RBC Heritage at The Sea Pines Resort

2014 RBC Heritage winner Matt Kuchar said of staying at The Sea Pines Resort this week, "We love it here. It's a home away from home for us."

Graeme McDowell jokingly referred to the week on Hilton Head Island as "spring break" on the PGA TOUR. He went on to say that after the high-pressure of the Masters in Augusta, the event here "has such a relaxed vibe. I really enjoy it."

Kuchar and McDowell are not alone in their assessments. Davis Love III, a five-time winner here, got a big laugh in his Wednesday press conference when he said, "It's always great to come here. It's a tradition in our family. In fact, the last two years I didn't play, but my wife was still here."

While the players are nearly unanimous in their praise of Harbour Town Golf Links -- it ranked No. 2 in a Golf World survey of tour members naming the "Top 10 PGA TOUR Courses" -- another reason for the tournament's popularity is the fun to be had at the Harbour Town Yacht Basin après golf.

The picturesque inlet -- anchored by its iconic lighthouse standing sentinel along Calibogue Sound -- is a horseshoe of enjoyment with an array of boutique shops and several excellent restaurants and watering holes. Probably the most popular spot is the buzzing Quarterdeck. Its outdoor patio is id
eal for a post-round beverage of your choice and also is a great place to take in the mesmerizing seascape as day turns into night.

The harbour was recently deepened and can now accommodate vessels up to 150 feet. Ogling at the huge mega-yachts there is a must. The nautical star this week is an incredible ship christened "Magic." The 130-foot luxury yacht looks like it belongs in a James Bond movie. It boasts a seven-man crew, five sleeping cabins, an eight-person Jacuzzi and enough room onboard to host 100 guests with ease. My New York City apartment would fit in the ship's dinghy with room to spare.

It's common to see PGA TOUR players out and about in the Yacht Basin in the evenings as many stay within the grounds of Sea Pines. The resort offers "on campus" lodging of more than 300 villas and 100 rental homes in addition to the Inn at Harbor Town - its lauded boutique hotel.

The Lowcountry destination is also perfect for families during the tournament. Brandt Snedeker has said, "It's such a relaxing atmosphere. We all rent homes here for our families, go bike riding and to the beach. It's a great place to unwind."

For more information on The Sea Pines Resort visit www.seapines.com.