Just days removed from one of the most inspired Masters Sunday finishes in recent memories the PGA Tour is back in business at the RBC Heritage. The always loved, yet still challenging, Harbour Town Golf Links welcomes some of golf’s hungriest competitors to the post-Augusta party. Boasting the smallest greens on tour, fairways and iron play will be at a premium this week in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Coming off one of the most difficult tournaments of the year didn’t stop eight of the top 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings from teeing it up this week. Included in this week’s field is the newly reclaimed World number one Dustin Johnson. The South Carolina native comes fresh off the heels of a tie for second at Augusta and looks to capitalize on his recent momentum.
With so much happening in Hilton Head this week Last Word on Golf has your guide to the course, featured opening round groups and how to watch and listen to all the action at the 2019 RBC Heritage.
The Course
While many are still buzzing about the coveted Masters green jacket, for the 132 competitors at Harbour Town Golf Links this week it’s all about the red tartan plaid sports coat befitting of the RBC Heritage winner. With the help of Jack Nicklaus, the course was designed in 1967 by the famous Pete Dye. This year-round public course has played host to various iterations of the Heritage Tournament since 1969.
In its 50th anniversary as a PGA Tour event, the RBC Heritage remains a scoreable tournament meant to test the nerves of even the most seasoned competitors. The 7,099 yard par-71 course plays shorter than the tour average of 7,200. Despite its length, Harbour Town makes up its’ difficulty in their greens but still holds a tournament course record of 20-under par set in 2009 by Brian Gay.
The grounds as a whole are comprised of multiple types of Bermuda grass from tee to green. With just 3,700 square feet of greens to work with Harbour Town truly hosts the smallest greens on the PGA Tour. Leading the field in strokes gained statistics, specifically proximity-to-hole and approach-the-green, will be a significant key to success this week.
Another important stat category to consider this week in Hilton Head will be greens in regulation. The difficult landing surfaces will make just getting on the greens a crucial commodity. 2014 winner Matt Kuchar currently leads not just the field but the entire PGA in greens in regulation percentage at 75.76%. Kuchar will go into the week with a valuable course history but as Satoshi Kodaira proved last year anyone can claim victory at Harbour Town.
Featured Groups
Three of the top-15 in FedEx Cup rankings will tee it up together over the first two days of play at the 2019 RBC Heritage. World number one Dustin Johnson will be joined by a fellow runner-up last week at the Masters in 25-year old rising superstar Xander Schauffele. This talented threesome will be rounded out by the 2019 WGC Match Play champion, and 2015 Heritage runner-up, Kevin Kisner. They will tee it up Thursday at 12:50 p.m. Eastern and Friday at 8:10 a.m. Eastern.
Before slipping late on Sunday, Francesco Molinari was just a few holes away from taking home his first green jacket. One man who knows something about winning at Augusta, despite his recent struggles, is 2015 Masters winner and three-time major champion Jordan Spieth. Both will be joined by fellow major winner, and 2013 Heritage runner-up, Webb Simpson. This trio of major champions get started opposite the previously mentioned featured group at 8:10 a.m. Thursday and 12:50 p.m. Friday.
In 2014 Bryson DeChambeau made his pro debut at Harbour Town and finished in a tie for fourth. Last year DeChambeau shot one his career low rounds before finishing in a tie for third place. This year he will be paired with former RBC Heritage winners Matt Kuchar (2014) and Satoshi Kodaira (2018) at 12:40 p.m. Thursday and 8:00 a.m. Friday.
With other talented threesomes including Tommy Fleetwood and former Heritage winners Graeme McDowell (2013) and Brandt Snedeker (2011) there’s a number of marquee match-ups to work through over the opening rounds. Don’t forget to check the official tee times to see when the top competitors tee it up Thursday and Friday.
Viewing and Listening Schedule
The 2019 RBC Heritage begins Thursday, April 18, and is scheduled to conclude Sunday, April 21. Coverage throughout the week can be found on PGA Tour Live as well as both radio and television broadcasts. Below are the dates, times and locations for your listening and viewing needs (all times Eastern Standard time and are subject to change).
Thursday April 18 – Round 1
PGA Tour Live 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
Golf Channel 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday April 19 – Round 2
PGA Tour Live 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
Golf Channel 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday April 20 – Round 3
PGA Tour Live 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
Golf Channel 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
CBS 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday April 21 – Final Round
PGA Tour Live 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
Golf Channel 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
CBS 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MAIN PHOTO
