The golfing world shifts its focus to Harbour Town Golf Links as the 2025 RBC Heritage tees off Thursday, April 17, just days after Rory McIlroy's dramatic green jacket victory at the Masters.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler enters as the clear favorite at +400 odds in this signature no-cut event. The tournament features a stellar 72-player field with a significant $20 million purse at stake, attracting many of last week's Masters competitors back into immediate action.
Collin Morikawa represents perhaps the strongest challenge to Scheffler's title defense. Despite not claiming a victory in 2025, Morikawa's consistent performances—including two runner-up finishes and several top-20 placements—demonstrate his readiness to breakthrough. His exceptional approach play (ranked 1st) and strong performance off the tee (11th) make him a compelling option at +1200.
The iconic Pete Dye-designed course presents a unique challenge. At 7,213 yards (par 71), Harbour Town ranks among the PGA Tour's shortest tracks yet demands precision with its overhanging limbs and strategically placed bunkers guarding small greens.
Several experienced players merit consideration as value picks. Justin Rose, fresh from his heartbreaking playoff loss at Augusta, enters at intriguing +7000 odds. The Englishman has demonstrated strong form with three top-10 finishes this season. According to Statbet analysis, Rose's putting statistics (ranked 11th in one-putt percentage) make him particularly dangerous on Harbour Town's smaller greens.
Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (+7000) presents another interesting option despite mixed results this season. His strong driving (ranked 19th overall) could provide an advantage, though his below-average putting statistics remain a concern.
Longshot hunters might consider Adam Scott at +15000, though the Australian has struggled recently with two missed cuts and a T57 in his last three tournaments.
The tournament runs through Sunday, April 20, with Webb Simpson's 262 course record (set in 2020) standing as the 72-hole benchmark for competitors to chase.
