As the dust settles on the season's first major championship, attention quickly shifts to the prestigious RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, where defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains the man to beat. However, several under-the-radar competitors are poised to challenge the favorites in this signature event.
Daniel Berger has quietly rediscovered his top form, posting six top-25 finishes in his last seven tournaments. The four-time PGA Tour winner has demonstrated consistency at Harbour Town, making the cut in each of his last five appearances, including an impressive third-place finish in 2020. Currently ranking 13th in true strokes gained tee-to-green among this week's competitors, Berger's precision off the tee—he ranks second in driving accuracy—makes him particularly well-suited for Harbour Town's demanding layout.
Another player building impressive momentum is Bud Cauley, who enters with remarkable consistency after finishing T6-T4-T5 in his last three starts. His statistical profile has been equally impressive, gaining nearly two strokes per round tee-to-green and over one stroke on approach shots. Cauley's T9 result at this venue in 2017 suggests the course suits his game, and his recent T6 at THE PLAYERS Championship demonstrates his ability to compete in elite fields.
Perhaps the most intriguing dark horse is six-time PGA Tour winner Max Homa. After enduring a difficult stretch that saw him miss five consecutive cuts, Homa showed signs of resurgence with a T12 finish at the Masters. His performance at Augusta National—where he ranked 12th in approach play and fourth in putting—suggests his game is rounding into form at precisely the right time.
According to Statbet's advanced metrics, players with Homa's skill profile who regain form after prolonged slumps typically maintain their improved performance for subsequent tournaments, making his current odds particularly noteworthy.
The 2025 edition of the RBC Heritage promises compelling competition as these sleepers aim to upset the established favorites on one of the PGA Tour's most distinctive layouts. With Harbour Town's tight fairways and small greens placing a premium on accuracy rather than power, the stage is set for potential breakthrough performances from these overlooked contenders.
