Power Rankings: RBC Heritage – PGA TOUR

For dozens of rivals on the Masters yearly, the pilgrimage from Augusta, Georgia, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, presents universally as a possibility to exhale and reset with the promise of a golfer’s vacation spot awaiting. This yr isn’t any completely different, however the assemble for the RBC Heritage is not like its first two spins as a Signature Event.

An expanded area of 82 qualifiers has gathered at Harbour Town Golf Links for the fourth Signature Event of the season. Among them, 53 are contemporary off their expertise within the first main, whereas 10 are in completely through their victories in 2025.

For the reminder as to why, the importance of this upcoming stretch, what’s new and extra, proceed studying beneath these projected to contend for the tartan jacket within the 58th version of the event, all of which have been contested at Harbour Town.

Not all PGA TOUR winners qualify routinely for the following Masters, however a perk is to play in The Sentry. Because

that tournament was canceled this season, the PGA TOUR reallocated these exemptions to the RBC Heritage. Originally supposed to host 72 golfers, 10 wouldn’t have gained entry with out the adjustment. And ought to any of them withdraw earlier than the opening spherical, he is not going to get replaced. This is the one event of the season affected on this manner.

The Masters is a bonus for all PGA TOUR members who qualify, whereas the RBC Heritage launches a stretch of three Signature Events throughout 4 weeks, none of which may have a lower. So, starting this week and lengthening by way of the Cadillac Championship (April 30-May 3) and Truist Championship (May 7-10), that is the time to capitalize on the fruits of final yr’s labor regardless of the way it went on the Masters for individuals who competed and regardless of how the primary three months of the season have transpired.

You’d assume that anytime touring professionals might need a say in what can occur to a Pete Dye design when it’s due for some contact-up work, the intuition can be to get revenge on the legendary architect who’s resided hire-free of their heads for many years. Then once more, all golfers are inclined to indulge willingly in some type of masochism as they pursue perfection regardless of their ability degree, so Dye merely has fed the beast, however Harbour Town Golf Links is a downright deal with for PGA TOUR members who qualify. And now it’s contemporary off a renovation that may make Dye smile, sinisterly or in any other case.

In conjunction with the expertise and acumen of 5-time RBC Heritage champion Davis Love III, Harbour Town underwent a six-month course of to switch all grasses, albeit with the identical strains that beforehand blanketed the property. This included the Bermudagrass greens to the scale and specs of Dye’s unique work in 1969. While expanded total, at simply 3,700 sq. ft on common, they nonetheless stay a number of the smallest targets the TOUR sees all yr. And with new gap areas derived from contemporary contouring, accuracy on method is much more of a premium than standard.

New tees on the par-4 first, sixth and 18th holes have stretched Harbour Town by 30 yards to its new official measurement of seven,243 yards on the scorecard. Par is unchanged at 71 with two of its three par 5s on the outward 9. Overseeded Bermudagrass tough stays a well-recognized 1¼ inches tall, however distance off the tee ranks among the many lowest on common yearly in comparison with different programs measured on account of what Dye perpetually has demanded on method. New bunkers and timber in spots additional reward strategic course administration and execution of the sport plan. It’s a shot-maker’s monitor from opening tip to closing faucet-in. And with its small greens, it’s a possibility for common and worse putters to cover.

Love III and the staff supposed to showcase Harbour Town the best way it as soon as was with solely the sharpest of eyes noticing the nuance, however it’s truthful to marvel how scoring might be impacted, particularly with the brand new placing surfaces able to run to a customary 12½ ft as decided by the Stimpmeter. Last yr’s area common of 69.368 smacked the bull’s-eye in cooperating climate situations.

Speaking of which, the beautiful climate that set the stage for the Masters will linger for one more week within the Lowcountry. Pretty a lot nothing however sunshine and passing clouds are forecast. If daytime highs eclipse 80 levels, it shouldn’t be by a lot. This leaves wind as the first problem. Pushes from a southwesterly path will camp out within the vary of 10-15 mph most frequently, however it might kick up a notch greater at occasions.

PGATOUR.com’s Rob Bolton previews and recaps each event. Refer to the timing of his contributions beneath. He’s additionally energetic as @RobBoltonGolf on X the place you possibly can join with him.

MONDAY: Power Rankings
TUESDAY*: Sleepers*; Expert Picks**; Fantasy Insider
SUNDAY:Qualifiers; Points and Payouts