After perhaps a mundane conclusion to the Masters, the PGA Tour swings over to the South Carolina coast this week for the RBC Heritage.
Scottie Scheffler slipped into the Green Jacket for the second time with an immaculate performance at Augusta, shooting a four-under-par round of 68 to storm to a four-stroke victory.
For now, the American will headline the 69-man for the no-cut RBC Heritage, although there have been suggestions that his heavily pregnant wife, Meredith, could give birth imminently.
RBC Heritage prides itself on being a links-style course, although that would be a rather incongruous description.
Rather, Harbour Town presents a different interpretation, and it is one of the shortest courses on the PGA Tour.
Natural water doesn’t come into play until the 17th hole, and an emphasis will be placed on accurate ball striking.
The 56th edition of the RBC Heritage could make for thrilling viewing, and for the last two years in a row, the tournament has been decided by a playoff.
But how will things unfold this time around? I have dived into the betting markets to share a couple of value tips for you to ponder over ahead of the first round.
Ludvig Aberg to stop Scottie Scheffler in his tracks
Ludvig Aberg has experienced an extraordinary ascent to prominence, and he is now one of the most exciting players on the Tour.
In his first Masters appearance, Aberg was in share of a three-way lead at the ninth on Sunday alongside Scheffler and Collin Morikawa before finishing solo second.
Aside from becoming the first player since Will Zalatoris in 2021 to claim a runner-up spot on his debut at the Masters, Aberg was the only player to shoot a round in the 60s during inclement conditions on Friday.
The Swede has strung together four top-10 and two runner-up finishes from nine events on the PGA Tour this term, and his performance metrics stack up too.
Ranking 15th for SG: Off the tee and third for total driving is pretty impressive. While accuracy will be king, Aberg can stand up to the test and deliver.
I fancy Aberg to push on this week and win. Although Scheffler has been the man to beat this season, it would be natural if his intensity levels dropped, given his exploits at the Masters.
Paddy Power has obliged with a double-figure price of 12/1 for Aberg to triumph.
Collin Morikawa to make a statement of intent in Round 1
After an indifferent season by his standards, Morikawa seemed to reintroduce himself to the world of golf with another top-five finish at a Major.
Yes, the American claimed his first top-10 payout since the Sentry when he finished T3 at the Masters.
Morikawa was lurking with intent at the top of the leaderboard before Scheffler ran away with it, and there were some encouraging signs for him at Augusta.
Indeed, Morikawa missed only 10 fairways last week and hit 50 of 72 GIR, and now he must continue that consistency on Hilton Head Island.
Morikawa could have an extra spring in his step, and to wrap things up, I’m going with him to fly out of the traps on Thursday and seize possession of the lead after Round 1. Should you wish to pounce on that line, bet365 has delivered odds of 25/1.
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