RBC Heritage Invitational Awaits After Masters Excitement

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Following an exhilarating Sunday at the Masters, over 50 players will now embark on a new challenge as they head to Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage. This fifth Signature Event of the PGA Tour season is set to take place this week, providing an exciting opportunity for golfers to showcase their skills.

This year’s tournament is particularly interesting as Rory McIlroy, who did not commit to the event, will have the opportunity to celebrate his Masters performance while the other competitors gear up for the challenge ahead. Golf fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of professional golfers at the renowned Lowcountry course.

Although McIlroy will not participate this week, another star player, Shane Lowry, is set to defend his title alongside McIlroy at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans next week. This week, golfers will tackle the par 71 course that stretches over 7,213 yards, with its challenging greens averaging just 3,700 square feet, demanding precision from the players.

“This is not a putting contest,” remarked a veteran golfer as he reviewed the course layout. “Players need to approach their shots with strategic precision.” The approach shots at Harbour Town require aiming at small targets placed among mature trees, some of which can obstruct pathways to the greens.

The course’s greens, overseeded with Bermudagrass, are prepped for intense competition, expected to run up to 12½ feet on the Stimpmeter. Golfers will face a maximum rough height of only 1 1/4 inches, continuing the trend from the previous year’s championship.

This year brings a unique format as there will be no cut after 36 holes. Every golfer who completes the tournament will earn FedExCup points and a share of the purse, with the champion set to receive 700 points and $3.6 million. With pleasant weather forecasted for the week, where daytime highs are projected to stay in the 70s, scoring averages could fall below 70, mirroring last year’s average of 69.351, achieved under similar ideal conditions.

As the week progresses, the course will remain in top condition, having undergone recent improvements, particularly on the outward nine’s bunkers since Scottie Scheffler celebrated his victory in a tartan jacket here last year. However, more significant renovations are slated for next year, when Davis Love III will lead the restoration to bring the course in line with architect Pete Dye’s original vision.

Fans and competitors alike are gearing up for a highly competitive week at the RBC Heritage, continuing the excitement of the PGA Tour’s early season drama.