Why We Have Our Eye on Jacob Bridgeman and Russ Henley This Week in Hilton Head
The Masters hangover looms large—but our resident winner picker thinks these guys will parlay it into a big week. Everything you used to handicap last week’s tournament, throw it out the window! The contrast is stark when looking at Augusta National and Harbour Town Golf Links.
ANGC allowed for distance, power, and accuracy wasn’t much of a concern. Harbour Town, however, will be the opposite. With narrow fairways that are effectively more narrow thanks to overhanging trees, accuracy will be required off-the-tee.
Then, players will take aim at some of the smallest greens on the TOUR schedule which will reward great wedge players and those who can scramble when they do inevitably miss the putting surfaces. The Signature Event presents another stellar field with four guaranteed rounds for every player. Winner: Jacob Bridgeman (+4500) The PGA TOUR’s best putter lost strokes putting last week at Augusta – and I don’t care!
As a debutant to the Masters, he lacked the requisite experience to succeed on those putting surfaces but that won’t be a problem this week at Harbour Town. Bridgeman was excellent from tee-to-green last week and will be able to lean into his strengths once again at the RBC Heritage. Winner: Russell Henley (+2150) When it comes to short golf courses that reward precision over power, Russell Henley’s name should be the first to pop into your mind.
Since 2021, Henley has gained +1. 43 strokes per round on “short courses” which is the fourth best mark in this field. During that stretch, Henley has earned four top-20 finishes here at Harbour Town with two of those being top-10 finishes.