This Day in Golf--Nov. 30

Arnold Palmer was a first-timer in many golf milestones, such as being the first golfer to earn $1 million in career PGA Tour earnings, but on this date in 1969, he was the first winner of the now titled RBC Heritage Classic. Palmer, then 40, had been winless for 14 months when he put together rounds of 68-71-70-74 -- 283 to win by three shots and first prize of $20,000. It was the inaugural playing of the Heritage, which we are used to see being held the week after the Masters. But the '69 event was held on Thanksgiving week. Winning at Harbour Town was so new that in a photo of Palmer being given the winner's plaque from tournament chairman Charles Fraser the still-under-construction lighthouse can be seen in the background (see photo).