The RBC Heritage kicks off on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, bringing together a star-studded field of golfers eager to compete for the prestigious title. This Signature Event, featuring a whopping $20 million purse, follows closely on the heels of the Masters Tournament, where Justin Rose notably finished as the runner-up after a heartbreaking playoff loss to Rory McIlroy.
Despite Rose's recent misfortune at Augusta National, he enters the RBC Heritage with renewed hope, especially since McIlroy, who bested him at the Masters, is not in the field this week. The absence of the reigning champion creates a more open playing field for the remaining contenders, who include some of the top names in golf.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is the favorite to win again, with odds set at +400. Scheffler's impressive performance last year solidified his status as a top competitor, and he will be looking to defend his title against a field that includes Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, and rising star Ludvig Åberg.
Golf fans can catch the action live, with Golf Channel broadcasting the tournament from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Thursday. For those eager to tune in earlier, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive coverage starting at 7:15 a.m. ET, featuring featured group streaming and hole coverage. Additionally, radio coverage will be available on PGA Tour Radio from noon to 6 p.m.
Round 1 tee times begin bright and early at 8:00 a.m. ET, with Nick Taylor and Bud Cauley leading off. Following them are a host of notable pairings, including Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler, who will tee off at 10:15 a.m. ET, and Justin Rose, who will take to the course with Min Woo Lee at 1:50 p.m. ET.
As the RBC Heritage marks the fifth Signature Event of the PGA Tour season, it is also notable for being the first tournament to allow golfers to use distance-measuring devices, a move aimed at speeding up the pace of play. This change has generated excitement among players and fans alike, as it could impact strategies on the course.
The weather in Hilton Head is expected to be pleasant, with a high of 74 degrees and sunny skies, making for ideal playing conditions. Winds are projected to be light, blowing out of the south at 5-10 mph, with no chance of rain in the forecast. Such favorable conditions are likely to contribute to an exciting day of golf.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the leaderboard, where the competition is expected to be fierce. With so many top-ranked players in attendance, including eight of the top 10 and 43 of the top 50 in the World Golf Rankings, the RBC Heritage promises to deliver thrilling moments and breathtaking performances.
Fans will be eager to see how Justin Rose rebounds after his Masters disappointment, while Scottie Scheffler looks to continue his dominance in the sport. The atmosphere at Harbour Town Golf Links is sure to be electric as spectators gather to witness the action unfold.
In summary, the RBC Heritage is set to be an exhilarating event, showcasing the best of the PGA Tour as players vie for one of the most coveted titles in golf. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, this tournament is sure to captivate golf enthusiasts and provide a compelling narrative as the rounds progress.
