PGA RBC Heritage Best Bets and DFS Model Plays

Harbour Town Golf Links, the venue for the RBC Heritage tournament, is a par-71 course that exemplifies strategic golf design. Created by Pete Dye with assistance from Jack Nicklaus, the course first opened in 1969 and has since become famous for its distinctive characteristics that challenge even the most skilled golfers. Here's a detailed analysis of the course:

Design and Layout

  1. Fairways and Rough:

    • The fairways at Harbour Town are notably narrow and tree-lined, requiring precise drives rather than sheer power. Missed fairways often result in challenging shots from the rough or obstructive tree-lined recoveries, emphasizing accuracy over distance.

  2. Greens:

    • The greens are small and well-guarded with bunkers, demanding accurate approach shots. The Bermuda grass used on the greens can be tricky, especially when putting, as it offers different breaks and speeds depending on the weather and maintenance.

  3. Signature Holes:

    • Perhaps the most iconic hole is the 18th, a 472-yard par-4 that runs along the Calibogue Sound. The hole is visually stunning with the Harbour Town Lighthouse in the background. The water hazard on the left and strategic bunkering require a well-thought-out approach to score well.

    • Another notable hole is the 14th, a challenging 192-yard par-3 surrounded by water on three sides and a bunker guarding the front of the green, making precision crucial.

Strategic Elements

  • Risk-Reward Options: The course layout presents various risk-reward opportunities, particularly on holes with tighter doglegs and reachable par-5s. Golfers must decide when to be aggressive and when to play conservatively, which often can be the difference between a birdie and a bogey.

  • Wind Factor: Being close to the Atlantic coast, the course is often subject to varying wind conditions, which can significantly affect play. The wind can transform relatively straightforward holes into formidable challenges, especially on the more exposed holes near the water.

  • Psychological Challenge: Harbour Town doesn't just test physical skills but also mental toughness. The need for strategic play and constant decision-making puts a premium on course management and mental acuity.

Maintenance and Conditioning

  • The course is typically kept in excellent condition, with well-manicured fairways and fast, firm greens. This level of maintenance helps preserve the challenging nature of the course and ensures a consistent test for all competitors.

Player Skills Highlighted

  • Golfers who excel at Harbour Town often possess superior shot-making abilities, precision in their iron play, and a strong mental game. The course favors players who can strategically navigate their way around rather than those who rely predominantly on power.

In summary, Harbour Town Golf Links is not just a test of golfing skill but a chess match requiring thoughtful navigation. Its unique blend of aesthetic beauty and golfing challenge makes it a standout venue on the PGA Tour.

 

 

 


 

 

To Win

Golfer Odds Book Units Risked
Ludvig Aberg 1400 Fanduel 0.071
Ashkay Bhatia 6000 Fanduel 0.017
Shane Lowry 4500 Fanduel 0.022
Wyndham Clark 3500 Fanduel 0.029
Si Woo Kim 3500 Fanduel 0.029
Harris English 7500 Fanduel 0.013
Tony Finau 6000 Fanduel 0.017
Total 0.197

Top 10

Golfer Odds Book Units Risked
Jake Knapp 1200 Fanduel 0.08
Total 0.08

 

  1. Scottie Scheffler

    • Salary: $13,300

    • Model Rank: 1

    • Driving Distance: 27

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 45

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 2

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 1

    • Fairways Gained: 12

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (1), Houston Open (T2), THE PLAYERS (1), Arnold Palmer (1), Genesis (T10)

  2. Ludvig Aberg

    • Salary: $10,400

    • Model Rank: 2

    • Driving Distance: 3

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 25

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 47

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 14

    • Fairways Gained: 21

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (2), Valero (T14), THE PLAYERS (8), Arnold Palmer (T25), Genesis (T19)

  3. Akshay Bhatia

    • Salary: $7,700

    • Model Rank: 3

    • Driving Distance: 36

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 27

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 22

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 9

    • Fairways Gained: 7

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T35), Valero (1), Houston Open (T11), Valspar (T17), THE PLAYERS (CUT)

  4. Xander Schauffele

    • Salary: $10,800

    • Model Rank: 4

    • Driving Distance: 13

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 37

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 3

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 15

    • Fairways Gained: 42

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (8), Valspar (T5), THE PLAYERS (T2), Arnold Palmer (T25), Genesis (T4)

  5. Shane Lowry

    • Salary: $8,500

    • Model Rank: 5

    • Driving Distance: 43

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 47

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 23

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 6

    • Fairways Gained: 3

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T43), THE PLAYERS (T19), Arnold Palmer (3), The Classic (T4), WM Phoenix Open (T60)

  6. Wyndham Clark

    • Salary: $9,200

    • Model Rank: 6

    • Driving Distance: 2

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 7

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 35

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 18

    • Fairways Gained: 61

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (CUT), Houston Open (T31), THE PLAYERS (T2), Arnold Palmer (2), Genesis (CUT)

  7. Si Woo Kim

    • Salary: $8,000

    • Model Rank: 7

    • Driving Distance: 59

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 60

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 11

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 16

    • Fairways Gained: 1

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T30), Houston Open (T17), THE PLAYERS (T6), Arnold Palmer (T30), Genesis (T44)

  8. Harris English

    • Salary: $7,500

    • Model Rank: 8

    • Driving Distance: 31

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 20

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 10

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 48

    • Fairways Gained: 14

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T22), Valero (CUT), THE PLAYERS (T19), Arnold Palmer (T21), Genesis (7)

  9. Jake Knapp

    • Salary: $6,500

    • Model Rank: 9

    • Driving Distance: 11

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 23

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 29

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 8

    • Fairways Gained: 65

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T55), Houston Open (CUT), THE PLAYERS (T45), Arnold Palmer (T57), The Classic (T4)

  10. Tony Finau

    • Salary: $8,600

    • Model Rank: 10

    • Driving Distance: 10

    • Strokes Gained: Putting: 63

    • Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 18

    • Strokes Gained: Approach: 7

    • Fairways Gained: 50

    • Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T55), Houston Open (T2), Valspar (CUT), THE PLAYERS (T45), Mexico Open (T13)


  11. Justin Thomas

    1. Salary: $8,400

    2. Model Rank: 11

    3. Driving Distance: 7

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 54

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 6

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 10

    7. Fairways Gained: 64

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (CUT), Valspar (T64), THE PLAYERS (CUT), Arnold Palmer (T12), Genesis (CUT)

  12. Rory McIlroy

    1. Salary: $11,200

    2. Model Rank: 12

    3. Driving Distance: 1

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 33

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 58

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 32

    7. Fairways Gained: 39

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T22), Valero (3), THE PLAYERS (T19), Arnold Palmer (T21), The Classic (T21)

  13. Russell Henley

    1. Salary: $8,100

    2. Model Rank: 13

    3. Driving Distance: 65

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 8

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 16

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 23

    7. Fairways Gained: 15

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T38), Valero (4), THE PLAYERS (CUT), Arnold Palmer (T4), The Classic (T41)

  14. Sam Burns

    1. Salary: $8,200

    2. Model Rank: 14

    3. Driving Distance: 12

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 9

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 60

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 31

    7. Fairways Gained: 27

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (CUT), Valspar (CUT), THE PLAYERS (T45), Arnold Palmer (T30), Genesis (T10)

  15. Lucas Glover

    1. Salary: $6,800

    2. Model Rank: 15

    3. Driving Distance: 64

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 64

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 4

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 11

    7. Fairways Gained: 4

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T20), Valero (T25), Valspar (11), THE PLAYERS (CUT), Arnold Palmer (T30)

  16. Tom Hoge

    1. Salary: $7,000

    2. Model Rank: 16

    3. Driving Distance: 49

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 11

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 69

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 2

    7. Fairways Gained: 30

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Houston Open (T14), THE PLAYERS (T54), Arnold Palmer (T12), The Classic (T28), Genesis (8)

  17. Jordan Spieth

    1. Salary: $9,400

    2. Model Rank: 17

    3. Driving Distance: 14

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 10

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 26

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 54

    7. Fairways Gained: 29

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (CUT), Valero (T10), Valspar (CUT), THE PLAYERS (CUT), Arnold Palmer (T30)

  18. Cameron Young

    1. Salary: $8,700

    2. Model Rank: 18

    3. Driving Distance: 17

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 38

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 59

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 5

    7. Fairways Gained: 41

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T9), Valspar (2), THE PLAYERS (T54), Arnold Palmer (T36), The Classic (T4)

  19. Taylor Moore

    1. Salary: $7,400

    2. Model Rank: 19

    3. Driving Distance: 34

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 44

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 5

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 17

    7. Fairways Gained: 46

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T20), Houston Open (T2), Valspar (T12), THE PLAYERS (T31), Arnold Palmer (T48)

  20. Sahith Theegala

    1. Salary: $8,900

    2. Model Rank: 20

    3. Driving Distance: 20

    4. Strokes Gained: Putting: 4

    5. Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: 54

    6. Strokes Gained: Approach: 27

    7. Fairways Gained: 45

    8. Recent Tournament Results: Masters (T45), Houston Open (T28), THE PLAYERS (T9), Arnold Palmer (T6), Genesis (T37)