RBC Heritage Preview

After last week’s thrilling Masters Tournament, the PGA Tour heads to the South Carolina coast for the RBC Heritage. Graeme McDowell is the defending champion and a strong field has assembled.

Lowdown: After last week’s thrilling Masters Tournament, the PGA Tour heads to the South Carolina coast for the RBC Heritage. Graeme McDowell is the defending champion and a strong field has assembled.

Designed by Pete Dye with the assistance of Jack Nicklaus, the course at Harbour Town is one of the professional’s favourite tracks. With its iconic lighthouse and Scottish feel, it’s also one of the most attractive on the circuit.

First contested in 1969, Arnold Palmer was the inaugural winner of this event and there have been some notable champions. Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson and Greg Norman have all donned the plaid jacket awarded to the victor here.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Davis Love III earned a reputation as a Harbour Town specialist. He won five times between 1991 and 2003.

Last season Graeme McDowell came through a playoff against Webb Simpson to win at the first extra hole.

It could be blustery this week with the threat of rain. That could suit the poor weather specialists – Graeme McDowell coped brilliantly in the strong winds last season.

Venue: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina Date: Apr 17-20 Course stats: par 71, 7,101 yards Purse: $5,800,000 Winner: $1,044,000 Defending Champion: Graeme McDowell (-9)

Player Watch: Matt Kuchar – Mr Consistent, his tied fifth place finish in the Masters was his third straight top five. He’s made the cut in this event each time he’s played since 2003.

Jim Furyk – Champion here in 2010 and twice a runner-up. He was tied 14th at Augusta.

Kevin Stadler – He’s won already this year in the Phoenix Open and was tied eighth at Augusta in his first Masters. He was tied fourth in this event two years ago.

Key hole: 14th. A par-3 of 192 yards with water all along the right side. Overhanging trees and a treacherous pot-bunker make this a very small target. It ranked as the toughest hole on the course in 2011.

Skills required: Course management. This isn’t a long course but careful placement from the tee and on approaches is crucial if players are to successfully negotiate Harbour Town’s numerous hazards.