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 12 months isn’t any totally different, however the assemble for the RBC Heritage is in contrast to its first two spins as a Signature Event.

An expanded subject of 82 qualifiers has gathered at Harbor Town Golf Links for the fourth Signature Event of the season. Among them, 53 are recent off their expertise within the first main, whereas 10 are in solely 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 match, all of which have been contested at Harbor Town.

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

that tournament was canceled this seasonthe 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 be eliminated earlier than the opening spherical, he is not going to get replaced. This is the one match of the season affected on this approach.

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 can have a minimize. So, starting this week and increasing by the Cadillac Championship (April 30-May 3) and Truist Championship (May 7-10), that is the time to capitalize on the fruits of final 12 months’s labor regardless of the way it went on the Masters for many who competed and regardless of how the primary three months of the season have transpired.

You’d suppose that anytime touring professionals might need a say in what can occur to a Pete Dye design when it is due for some contact-up work, the intuition could 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 willingly bask in some type of masochism as they pursue perfection regardless of their ability degree, so Dye has merely fed the beast, however Harbor Town Golf Links is a downright deal with for PGA TOUR members who qualify. And now it is recent 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, Harbor Town underwent a six-month course of to exchange all grasses, albeit with the identical strains that beforehand blanketed the property. This included the Bermudagrass greens to the dimensions and specs of Dye’s unique work in 1969. While expanded general, at simply 3,700 sq. ft on common, they nonetheless stay among the smallest targets the TOUR sees all 12 months. And with new gap places derived from recent contouring, accuracy on strategy is much more of a premium than standard.

New tees on the par-4 first, sixth and 18th holes have stretched Harbor 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 as a consequence of what Dye ceaselessly has demanded on strategy. New bunkers and bushes in spots additional reward strategic course administration and execution of the sport plan. It’s a shot-maker’s observe from opening tip to closing faucet-in. And with its small greens, it is a possibility for common and worse putters to cover.

Love III and the group supposed to showcase Harbor Town the way in which it as soon as was with solely the sharpest of eyes noticing the nuance, however it’s honest to marvel how scoring will probably be impacted, particularly with the brand new placing surfaces able to run to a customary 12½ ft as decided by the Stimpmeter. Last 12 months’s subject common of 69,368 smacked the bull’s-eye in cooperating climate situations.

Speaking of which, the attractive climate that units the stage for the Masters will final for one more week within the Lowcountry. Pretty a lot nothing however sunshine and passing clouds are forecast. If daytime eclipse highs 80 levels, it should not be by a lot. This leaves wind as the first problem. Pushes from a southwesterly course will camp out within the vary of 10-15 mph most frequently, however it may kick up a notch larger at occasions.

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

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