Matt Fitzpatrick Dominates Friday at RBC Heritage, Viktor Hovland Chases Hard
The second round of the 2026 RBC Heritage showcased dramatic shifts in playing conditions at Harbour Town Golf Links. The morning players capitalized on minimal wind, while the afternoon group faced increasingly challenging gusts. Matt Fitzpatrick, the reigning champion, delivered an impressive 63 in the morning, propelling him to the lead at 14 under. His success can be attributed to remarkable ball-striking and putting, where he ranks fourth and third in strokes gained, respectively. Fitzpatrick's comfort on the greens has been notable, as he credited recent improvements with his putting coach and the restored greens' heightened slope for boosting his confidence. A pivotal moment came on the 14th hole, where a fortunate break—a tree deflection—enabled him to secure a birdie, reinforcing the notion that sometimes luck plays a crucial role in golf. Viktor Hovland, trailing at 13 under, matched Fitzpatrick's intensity, posting a 65 despite tougher afternoon conditions. Hovland's prowess on the greens ranks him second in strokes gained putting, making him a formidable contender for his first win of 2026. Other notable players include: Harris English at 10 under A tie for fourth at 9 under featuring Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, and Sepp Straka. Rickie Fowler and Robert MacIntyre among those at 8 under. Despite their efforts, players like Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa struggled to keep pace. Scheffler, who played alongside Fitzpatrick, has had difficulty with putting, while Morikawa continues to navigate challenges from a back injury. Notable disappointments included Jordan Spieth at -1 and Justin Thomas at +8, both seasoned champions failing to make significant impacts this week. With no cut this week, all 82 players will compete over the weekend, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-17