RBC Heritage preview: TV times and betting tips
After the excitement of Augusta the PGA Tour moves down the road to Harbour Town. NCG form expert Barry Plummer picks out three players he fancies
RBC Heritage staking plan
Bazza’s Banker: Matthew Fitzpatrick (3pts e/w @ 25/1 with Bet365)
In 2017, Fitzpatrick professed that the RBC Heritage is his favourite week of the year – and it is easy to see why when you examine the type of test that Harbour Town sets. The course plays very much like a British links, which is an arena in which Fitzpatrick feels comfortable, evidenced by his recent course form. The Englishman has two 14th-place finishes in the last three years at this event, and arrives off the back of five top 20 finishes in his last six events on tour. In the last three months he ranks 4th for SG: Putting, and 20th for SG: Off-the-tee, so I cannot find a single reason not to include him this week.
The outsider: Corey Conners (2.5pts e/w @ 30/1 with Bet365)
Conners has been on an incredible run of form recently, with a couple of top-10 finishes and a strong first three rounds at the Masters last week. Conners made his first cut at Harbour Town when participating last year, which is surprising as this venue appears to suit his style of play perfectly. In the last three months, the Canadian ranks 10th for SG: Approach and 11th for SG: Off-the-Tee, measures that are incredibly important at this track. It wont be long before Conners wins on the PGA Tour again, and it could well come on a strategic tack like Harbour Town.
The long shot: Robert MacIntyre (2pts e/w @ 50/1 with Bet365)
Bob Mac was certainly one of the success stories at the Masters, impressing on debut when finishing tied-12th to secure an invite for next year. Having seen a lot of MacIntyre on the European Tour, we are well aware of the quality he possesses and there’s a feeling he really is about to announce himself on the world stage – if he hasn’t already. This type of course should suit MacIntyre, with its coastal links feel and requirement for strategic play. The Scotsman ranks 14th for SG: Tee-to-Green on the European Tour this season, so certainly has the accuracy required on a course where Europeans have a good track record.