Today : Apr 21, 2025
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21 April 2025

Justin Thomas Chases First Win Since 2022 At RBC Heritage

Si Woo Kim leads by one stroke as final round heats up with tight competition

As the final round of the RBC Heritage unfolds, all eyes are on the tight leaderboard at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The excitement is palpable as Justin Thomas, seeking his first victory since 2022, finds himself just a stroke behind leader Si Woo Kim, who stands at 15 under par. Meanwhile, Andrew Novak, also in contention, is hot on their heels, making this a thrilling Sunday showdown that golf fans won’t want to miss.

After an impressive opening round of 61 on Thursday, Thomas has cooled off but remains a formidable presence on the course. As of Sunday, April 20, 2025, Thomas is at 17 under after 15 holes, following a crucial birdie on the par-5 15th hole, where he sunk a 25-foot putt. “I played really well today, really solid. Just didn’t have much to show,” Thomas remarked, reflecting on the challenges he faced. His determination to end a nearly three-year winless drought is evident as he navigates the course.

In the final pairing with Kim is Andrew Novak, who is also searching for his first PGA Tour win in eight seasons. Novak, who tied with Thomas at 16 under after a birdie on the ninth, has shown resilience throughout the tournament. His ability to chip in from short of the sixth green briefly gave him the solo lead, but a bogey on the third hole kept the competition fierce.

As the day progresses, Thomas and Novak have managed to create a comfortable two-shot lead over the rest of the field, which includes notable players like Scottie Scheffler and Maverick McNealy. Scheffler, the defending champion, is not out of the running after making three birdies in his last five holes, bringing him within two shots of the leaders. “I’m in good position. I’ve been playing good,” Kim said after his round, highlighting the pressure of competing for a win after a lengthy hiatus.

The RBC Heritage, a significant event on the PGA Tour, boasts a total purse of $20 million, with $3.6 million going to the winner. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric as players vie for a coveted title. BetMGM lists Thomas as the favorite with +240 odds, closely followed by Kim at +250, and Novak at +550, indicating just how competitive this tournament has become.

Throughout the tournament, players have faced various challenges, from penalties to tricky course conditions. Thomas experienced a one-shot penalty on the par-5 second hole when he reported that his ball had moved slightly, losing his two-shot lead in just two holes. However, he managed to regain his composure, finishing strong with a birdie on the 18th that gave him momentum heading into the final stretch.

Kim, who has not tasted victory since January 2023, is feeling the weight of expectation as he plays in the final group. “It’s been a while to play in the final group, so it feels weird,” he admitted. Kim started strong, making birdies on his first two holes and maintaining a steady pace throughout the day until a mishap on the final hole cost him a bogey.

Maverick McNealy, who shot a remarkable 64, is alone in fourth place, just two shots behind the leaders. With players like Tommy Fleetwood and Brian Harman also in contention, the final round is shaping up to be a nail-biter.

As the tournament progresses, viewers can catch all the action live on Golf Channel and CBS, with streaming available on ESPN+ and Peacock. The final round is set to run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, ensuring fans can follow every thrilling moment as the leaderboard shifts.

With the weather cooperating—forecasting a high of 77 degrees and a near 0% chance of rain—conditions are ideal for golf. Winds are expected to be mild, allowing players to focus on their strategies without the added challenge of inclement weather.

As the day unfolds, the tension mounts. Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes battle? Will Justin Thomas finally break his three-year drought, or will Si Woo Kim reclaim his winning form? And what about Andrew Novak, who is determined to secure his first PGA Tour title? With so much on the line, the RBC Heritage promises to deliver an unforgettable conclusion.

As the final holes approach, golf fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling contest. With a mix of seasoned champions and hungry challengers, the RBC Heritage is a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of professional golf.