Traditionally the RBC Heritage has been a gentle way for the PGA Tour to unwind after the pressures of The Masters at Augusta.
Over the years only a handful of players would make the 130-mile journey from Augusta to Hilton Head in South Carolina, while most of the Major contenders would head away and get their feet up for a week or two.
While the two venues are close geographically, they could barely be further apart in terms of challenge, with a very particular set of skills – as Liam Neeson might say – required for Harbour Town Links.
The short, windy nature of the course put many of the big hitters off, but this year they are nearly all in attendance due to the Heritage gaining ‘designated status’ in the PGA Tour’s shake-up.
The field doesn’t include Rory McIlroy after his latest Augusta heartbreak, but Masters champion Jon Rahm is in attendance, with the Spaniard somewhat less in control of his schedule than he was of his game on a long final day at Augusta.
I cant imagine Rahm really wants to be playing this week, which will be the case for many of the leading lights, who are duty-bound to attend.
Not that any of them wouldn’t want to win should they find themselves in contention come Sunday night, but motivation may not be too high.
Rahm is a 9/1 second-favourite here, just behind Scottie Scheffler, who put in a strange performance on his way to a share of 10th on Sunday.
Collin Morikawa was also in that group who finished on four-under, and he could prove to be the man to beat at Harbour Town, and looks the pick of those towards the top of the market.
Unlike many of his peers, Morikawa has become a frequent visitor to Hilton Head of his own accord, finishing seventh in 2021, having been second after three days.
He has all of the skills to succeed on this strategic course, where plotting a path from tee to green means far more than power, while approach play to small greens is a vital commodity.
Nobody is better than Morikawa with iron in hand, and he also ticks the boxes I like the week after a Major, having performed well without being in the heat of battle.
The 18/1 generally on offer really appeals and he has to be the first name on the list.
Shane Lowry should have been closer to Rahm on Sunday, the quality of his long game let down by a cold putter.
A share of 16th was scant reward for the quality of his play, and he will have high hopes for better this week at a course where has been third twice in the last four years.
The Offaly man should actually have won last term, missing out on a play-off won by Jordan Spieth by a shot, and he’ll be motivated to get in the hunt again on a track that really suits him, so get on him each-way at 28/1 with Ladbrokes.
Finally, I love the chances of 2014 winner Matt Kuchar at 50/1 with Sky Bet.
The veteran American just missed out on a place at Augusta having finished third at the Valero Texas Open the week before last when we put him up each-way at 28/1.
Not playing in The Masters may well be a blessing in disguise as he returns to a favoured venue where he was crowned champion nine years ago, was second in 2019, and tied for third last year.
Kuchar is the ultimate plotter around a tricky course, and with many of the main men lacking for motivation, he has a real chance of a second Heritage success.
RBC HERITAGE SELECTIONS
Collin Morikawa, e/w, 18/1 (General);
Shane Lowry, e/w, 28/1 (Ladbrokes); top European, e/w, 9/1 (Unibet);
Matt Kuchar, e/w, 50/1 (Sky Bet)
