With yet another Masters which didn't disappoint we are left wondering what's next? the next major, next masters? well that's fifty-one weeks away, so the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town will have to do. Lets be honest its a decent follow up, with the course being a classic Pete Dye creation (with input from Jack Nicklaus) Harbour Town Golf Links has for years been a PGA tour favourite. But hopefully not their favourite winners jacket. Also the short trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina from Augusta, Georgia all contribute to the strong field. Canadian bias of the week: a few years ago the Royal Bank of Canada stepped up and saved the tournament when they needed a sponsor. So hopefully one of the young Canadians can step up for the win, I'm looking at you Graham DeLaet, and the rest of Team RBC.
The Course:
Harbour Town Golf Links
Par: 71 Length: 7,101
Architect: Pete Dye
Purse: 5,800,000 (1st- 1.04 mil.)
My first memories of this course came from Microsoft Links Golf which predates Tiger's arrival on tour shout out to Windows 3.0. What was true then is still true now its' a ball strikers paradise where hitting fairways and greens are a must. So leave the big hitters on the bench and look to the guys rolling the rock and hitting a lot of fairways and greens. Just like defending Champion Carl Pettersson, who when his broom stick is working can go low, with his five shot victory over Zach Johnson.
Recent Winners:
2012 Carl Pettersson (-14)
2011 Brandt Snedeker (-12)
2010 Jim Furyk (-13)
2009 Brian Gay (-20)*
2008 Boo Weekley (-15)
*tournament record
This weeks Yahoo picks:
A-list:
Charles Howell III: He was trending in the right direction trying to get back to The Masters his hometown event. After falling short look for him to come out with extra motivation this week.
Brandt Snedeker: Whos year has had more highs and lows then Snedeker and following his disappointing finish Sunday. The ribs look healed and he`s due for some more highs.
Bill Haas: Has the ball striking to be in contention but the question has to be can he do it on the weekend.
Notables: Boo Weekley, Brian Davis and Tim Clark
B-list:
Luke Donald: Doesnt have the length to contend at Augusta good thing this isn't Augusta. Like Tiger last week you have to have him on the roster.
Matt Kuchar: His slow and steady game settles up well here. And how often does he finish outside the top 25?
Carl Pettersson: He won last year and the broomstick mafia is here too stay, giving the a big F-U to the rule 14- 1b. Best gut in sports well golf for sure, so why not?Notables: Zach Johnson, Ernie Els, Aaron Baddeley and Graham Delaet (follow his wife on twitter)
C-list:
Jason Day: Well he didn't win last week for Aussies but he does have the game to be at the top of the leaderboard again this week.
Billy Horschel: Although its his first time teeing it up at Harbour Town, his first win is coming soon.
Notables: Harris English, Kevin Streelman, Canadian Brad Fritsch and Pat Perez (for my boy Shiz)
So if The Masters didn't make you want to get out and play well you shouldn't be reading this blog, but if you made it this far you should get a treat...
God I hope the next Break Big is close to a beach.
-The.Frozen.Golfer
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