RBC Heritage - Fantasy Picks

There’s no doubt that golf has become a power game. Many players now rely more on huge drives than they do fairways hit in order to set up approach shots. While the long ball has added excitement to the game, it is refreshing to see the Tour make a stop at Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage. 

Players will be required to follow a strict game plan based on precise placement off the tee to ensure they are providing themselves manageable looks into each green. 

A beautiful layout, look for wind and weather to play a factor this week. Those who control their ball flight, while at the same time keeping it in the short grass should certainly contend. This is a shotmaker’s course, as is reflected in this week’s fantasy picks. 

1. Jordan Spieth - Admitted in his post-Masters press conference to being tired, but says he plans to play. With the way he putted this week, makes it difficult to bet against him, despite exhaustion. 
2. Ernie Els - Has said that he feels he can still compete at the highest level. Look for him to ride a positive week at Augusta by another positive performance. 
3. Patrick Reed - Continued great season with T-22 at Augusta. Week after week is posting solid rounds, and has done so all year having made the cut in every event he’s competed. 
4. Zach Johnson - Another whose game is suited to this course. A shotmaker who keeps the ball in the short grass and can grind out putts. Has played well at Hilton Head in previous years. Coming off back-to-back 68’s on the weekend at Augusta. 
5. Luke Donald - In the past six years at Hilton Head, has three times finished in second, and twice finished third. 
6. Jim Furyk - Ranks 5th on tour hitting 72% of his fairways. Averages 70% GIR. A shotmaker whose game is well-suited for this course. 
7. Charlie Hoffman - Looking to build off of a very solid performance at Augusta. Ranks 7th in Fed-Ex Cup point standings. 
8. Kevin Streelman - Leaving Augusta coming off personal best finish in a major (T12). Ranks 18th & 17th in fairways and GIR. 
9. Graham Delaet - Averages over 300 yards off the tee, 61% fairways hit, 67% GIR. Known as one of games better overall ball strikers. Looking to finally capture that first PGA Tour victory. 
10. Jonas Blixt - T28 at Augusta. Positive finish despite final round 75. Coming off overall good week. 
11. Russell Henley - Has not missed a cut this year. Finished 21st at Masters and 4th previous week at Shell Houston Open. 
12. Jason Kokrak - Three top-15’s since mid-March. Averaging 67% GIR, however 56% fairways hit could be cause for concern on Hilton Head’s tight layout.

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This article was written by Jonathan Carr (@jonathanwcarr) as part of our weekly #FantasyGolf series.  Each week we preview the upcoming PGA Tour event and highlight some of the players we'll be keeping an eye on. As a scratch golfer himself, Jonathan has a keen eye for what it takes to be successful on and off the golf course. His passion for golf is surpassed only by his passion for his faith and his family. Read some of Jonathan's other articles here.