RBC Heritage Classic Previews and Predictions at Harbour Town

The 2013 Masters Tournament is a wrap, and next up is the RBC Heritage Classic at Harbour Town.

Strong Field After the Masters

While many players often take off after the Masters, the field in Harbour Town this week is stout.

Savannah Morning News' Lawrence Conneff expounded:

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Steve Wilmot, director of the RBC Heritage, usually talks up the depth of the annual PGA Tour event’s roster. This year, he is quick to bring up the top-ranked golfers in the 140-player field.

“In years past, I talked a lot about how we had good fields top-to-bottom compared to a lot of other (tournaments),” Wilmot said. “But this year, I feel like we’re stronger on top than we’ve ever been.”

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The patrons visiting the beautiful course at Harbour Town this week will see some top golf. Among golfers in the field at the RBC Heritage are Jason Day, Luke Donald, Jason Dufner, Marc Leishman, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.

Over the past 12 Heritage tournaments, there have been three two-time winners with the same time period (Boo Weekley, Stewart Cink and Davis Love III). Could a recent winner at Harbour Town like Carl Pettersson (2012), Brandt Snedeker (2011), Jim Furyk (2010) or Brian Gay (2009) win another "Heritage Plaid " jacket? It's certainly a possibility in 2013.

Could a young gun like Casey Wittenberg break through and win on the PGA Tour?

Will Jason Day or Marc Leishman make it two wins in two weeks for Australia?

Tour Pros Tweet Sentiments to Boston

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My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and people who have been affected in Boston today #unrealevents

— robert garrigus (@robertgarrigus) April 15, 2013"

While it should be a fun week in a beautiful atmosphere, touring pros quickly had their attention turn towards the bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday. Many golfers took to Twitter today to share their sincere sentiments towards the victims and families in wake of the incredible tragedy.

Autism Awareness Day at Harbour Town

On the heels of such a horrific event, it's fitting that the RBC Heritage had already committed to raising awareness for another tragic occurrence in sociey, autism. In particular, the tournament is teaming up with 2012 British Open champ Ernie Els' charity, Els for Autism, at the RBC on Friday.

RBC Heritage officials released the following statement about the event:

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The RBC Heritage has designated Friday, April 19, to be the tournament’s Autism Awareness Day, and players and fans are being encouraged to wear blue to the event and join World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els in showing support for those affected by autism spectrum disorders. PGA TOUR Professionals, spectators, volunteers and media will be asked to wear blue on Friday and have the opportunity to donate $5 and receive Els for Autism’s blue and white puzzle pin - designed to provide international awareness about the disorder.

 

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RBC Heritage Classic Predictions

As I already mentioned, the field this week is incredibly solid from top-to-bottom at the RBC.

The week, some players will be completely relaxed, while others will be slow to get back on track coming off the year's first major. Regardless, expect the typical great golf we've all become accustomed to seeing at Harbour Town.

Winner: Matt Kuchar

Sleepers: Kevin Streelman, Harris English, John Daly

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