Many of the world’s top-ranked players aren’t making the trip to South Carolina this week, instead electing to decompress from what was a Masters for the ages. Still, the invitation only, 132-player field will include some stand out names on the PGA Tour and a host of major champions.
Number 5
Fantasy Insider
Kevin Kisner looks to become the second South Carolina native (Wesley Bryan) to win the event and enters in great form with his recent WGC Dell Match Play Championships.
Leading the FedExCup Playoff standings, Matt Kuchar has five straight top-25s here including a win in 2014. Bryson DeChambeau has finished top-5 twice in his three appearances here, including T-4 in his debut.
Number 4
50 Year Celebration Hangover
Plaid Nation will be out in full force this week celebrating the 51st playing of the RBC Heritage, and it doesn't look like there will be any hangover from last year's 50th Year Anniversary celebration. In fact, expectations for this year's event are higher than they've ever been before.
Last year the Heritage drew 135,000 spectators (5,000 more fans than attended in each of the previous two years) and the tournament could see even more fans this year. Harbor Town has hosted this event since 1969, when Arnold Palmer became the event’s first winner. And only five courses on the PGA Tour schedule have hosted a tournament longer than Harbor Town.
No. 3
A Story about Jack
A popular tradition ever year at the Heritage is the ceremonial ball being hit into Calibogue Sound to kick off RBC Week on Monday, and in 1969, the ceremony didn't go off without a hitch. Jack Nicklaus was in the midst of his backswing when the ceremonial canon fired prematurely.
Nicklaus immediately jump-sprinted from the tee, tossed his club aside, and only returned to the tee after the smoke had cleared and the laughing gallery assured him it was safe to return. Nicklaus somewhat hesitantly returned to his ready position, and then fired off a perfect shot, this time perfectly coordinated with the canon blast.
No. 2
A Party Atmosphere
Harbor Town Links provides world-class competition for the pros, but the thousands of fans who flock to the island aren't here just for the quality of golf. The laid-back, family friendly atmosphere makes it a social event, and the biggest party all year for all ages on the island. In terms of a weekend long party atmosphere it rivals the Waste Management Phoenix Open and even the Kentucky Derby.
People watching, fan-favorite events throughout the course, and house parties along the fairways are open invitation. You can win cool swag just by wearing plaid and a host of on-course lounges and eateries makes anywhere the see-and-be-seen classic chill spot.
No. 1
The Course
Harbor Town/s tight and narrow fairways puts a premium on accuracy and shaping the ball. Placement and strategy takes precedence over power as large oak trees and overhanging pines stand ready to swat away errant shots. Greens are small and masterfully contoured. Winds can rip through and swirl around the course as well, adding to the challenge. This 7,099 yard, par-71 Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus design will both reward and confound the game's best shot makers.
The intimidating 472 yard, par-4 No 18 is one of the finest finishing holes in golf. The 18th hole is generous off the tee, but tightens severely with marshland encroaching from the left on approach. Players will have to choose between a safe bail-out on the right or the more treacherous forced carry all the way to the green on the left. You can give the tournament away or rally to win it right here.
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