Branden Grace will be defending a title on the PGA Tour for the first time as he tees off at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town.
The course
The par 71 Pete Dye designed track presents a new challenge to PGA Tour players with water and overhanging trees a major factor in how a round is plotted out. The course measures only 7101 yards but the small slick greens place a premium on approach shots.
The field
Predictably after the year’s first Major, there are few superstars set to test themselves this week but the likes of Adam Hadwin (5th in FedExCup), Pat Perez(7th), Russell Henley(11th) and Marc Leishman(13th) can seize the advantage in the FedExCup standings with a strong showing in South Carolina.
South Africans in the field
Joining Grace in the field are countrymen Ernie Els and Tyrone van Aswegen.
Defending champ
Grace won last year as he saw off Luke Donald and Russel Knox by firing a final round 66. Donald began the final round with a three shot lead but that was erased by the turn before the South African made birdies at 12 and 13 to prevent any late drama.
Past winners
Harbour Town’s alumni include Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Graeme McDowell. Other notable former champions include Stewart Cink, Boo Weekley and
Three to watch
Matt Kuchar is the obvious man to watch this week – he comes off a solid Masters outing where he almost got himself into contention late on Sunday and has a good record at Harbour Town; he won in 2014. Martin Kaymer is another who finished well at Augusta and will be looking to add PGA Tour win number four to his name while Matt Fitzpatrick is looking to establish himself ‘across the pond’ and could be dangerous this week.
Wildcard
Kevin Kisner could go the distance after a solid but winless start to the season. He has a playoff loss in 2015 to his name at the event and is primed to go one better at Hilton Head. Kisner has three top 10s and only one MC to his name after 11 events this season.
