Tour Stop: RBC Heritage Preview

I still don’t think I have recovered from the events of last week. The grandeur of it all, the ups and downs. However, the golfing year continues and this week we find ourselves treated with the fifth signature event of the year, the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town. An iconic Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus design, Harbour Town has always peaked my interest, yet admittedly I do not know a great deal about the course. I am not one for tree line golf, however, there is something different here. It is a great example of how modern courses do not require length, creatively punishing misdirected shots. I like how this is different from the rest of the ‘bomb and gauge’ courses we see on tour, I like to see players actually think about their shots, think about positioning on fairways for better angles to the green or using different clubs off the tee.  

Pete Dye Greens

For me, the best aspect of Harbour Town are the greens. As with Pete Dye, he loves to make them a test. So unique and different they are a breath of fresh air, and seem to be quite intimidating. They are one of the smallest set on tour, so there is clearly an emphases on approach play and shots around the green. We saw last year that the best performing players had positive strokes gained on approach and around the green. Precise, thoughtful play required all week. The bulkheads around bunkers and greens are quite nice on the eye, along with overhanging limbs perched above the greensites, gorgeous. 

There is something heroic about Pete Dye’s greensites. Whether they require a hero carry, or surrounded by vigorous bunkers that could turn a 3 into a 7, the greens never cease to be dramatic yet fair. I’m excited to see the best players in the world showcase their creativity around these greens, and to see the latter struggle. 

Player's To Look Out For

Week after week Scottie finds himself inside the top 10, and he is not even playing near his best golf. I understand Scottie is the obvious choice, but he has been so close and the course suit's his game. I find it difficult to see him not losing this week with Rory not in the field.

However, the player that can beat him is Collin Morrikawa. He had a top 10 last season and if off to a good start this year leading the tour in strokes gained tee to green and strokes gained approach. He had a good week last week and I'm confident in him getting the job done over Scottie this week.

The Team's Picks Of The Week:

Ed - Win: Collin Morikawa 11/1

Top 10: Lowry 5/2

Oli - Win: Jason Day 40/1

        Top 10: Vilips 13/1

Gwi - Win: Corey Conners 25/1

         Top 10: Bud Cauley 5/1

Ben - Win: Shane Lowry 22/1

         Top 10: Max Homa 6/1