2025 RBC Heritage Championship: A Thrilling Duel at Hilton Head

HILTON HEAD, S.C. — The RBC Heritage Championship, held annually the week after The Masters, showcased thrilling golf this year, culminating in an exhilarating final round on Sunday.

With a star-studded field featuring some of the world’s top golfers, the tournament was highlighted by a tense showdown between Justin Thomas and Andrew Novak, the South Carolina native who aimed for victory on home turf. After holding a strong lead earlier in the tournament, Thomas faced fierce competition from Si Woo Kim and Novak, who both challenged him as the tournament progressed.

Entering the final round, Thomas had posted a score of 17-under-par, creating a head-to-head duel with Novak after both golfers finished tied. Just as it appeared that the tournament would move to a sudden-death playoff, Thomas made a par on the 72nd hole, raising the stakes even higher.

The RBC Heritage employs a sudden-death playoff format, wherein tied players compete until one achieves a lower score on a playoff hole. The 18th hole, a challenging par 4 measuring 465 yards, is designated for the playoff. Given Harbour Town’s demanding layout, playoffs at the RBC Heritage are not uncommon; the last such occurrence took place in 2023.

During the 2023 tournament, Matt Fitzpatrick triumphed over Jordan Spieth in a dramatic playoff after both finished regulation at 17-under. Spieth previously claimed victory in the 2022 playoff against Patrick Cantlay, with a score of 13-under under tough conditions.

Over the past two decades, the RBC Heritage has seen numerous playoffs, with a total of ten since 2000. The 2025 edition of the tournament retained its traditional format, featuring a field of 72 golfers which includes nearly 40 participants ranked among the top 50 globally and those leading the FedEx Cup standings.

Competitive rounds were played in threesomes, with morning and afternoon waves scheduled over four days. After the first two rounds, no cut was made, allowing all players who made the field the opportunity to complete the event.

The final outcome at RBC Heritage not only determines the champion but also awards significant benefits, including a two-season exemption on the PGA Tour and 700 FedEx Cup points.

The host, Harbour Town Golf Links, remains a formidable test for all competitors, underscoring why playoffs are commonplace in this prestigious tournament. The RBC Heritage stands as a pinnacle event on the golfing calendar, drawing elite talent and enthusiastic crowds alike.