Ludvig Åberg surged to the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the RBC Heritage, posting a remarkable eight‑under‑par 63 that put him a single stroke ahead of his fellow Swede and Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland and American contender Harris English. The tournament, a prestigious PGA Tour Signature Event held at the historic Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina, featured a deep field despite the absence of Rory McIlroy, who had just celebrated a Masters victory. Åberg’s flawless round was highlighted by a bogey‑free performance and a flurry of eight birdies, a combination that he described as a “good day” in post‑round interviews.
"The scoring was fantastic today," Åberg said. "Being bogey‑free and making eight birdies is always a great feeling. The biggest highlight for me was the way my irons and approach shots were working.
I was hitting the flights I wanted and landing on the right side of the pins. A few putts on the back nine dropped in that didn’t on the front, and overall I’m super‑pleased with how it went." The Swedish star’s round placed him in a tight battle with a group of six players who were two strokes back at six‑under, among them England’s Matt Fitzpatrick. The competition at Harbour Town is known for its demanding layout, with narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and a signature finishing stretch that tests both precision and composure.
Åberg’s performance demonstrated his ability to navigate these challenges with poise, especially in his iron play, which he credited for the low score. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre was attempting to shake off the disappointment and controversy that followed his Masters appearance. After an opening‑round 80 at Augusta National that left him well outside the cut line, MacIntyre made headlines for an obscene gesture directed at a green during his second round—a moment that sparked speculation about possible disciplinary action, including the extreme possibility of a ban from next year’s Masters. In the days after the incident, the 29‑year‑old posted a light‑hearted comment on social media, attempting to defuse the situation, but the golf community remained divided over the appropriate response.
Undeterred, MacIntyre turned his focus to the RBC Heritage and delivered a five‑under‑par 67 on Thursday, moving him into a group of five players three strokes behind Åberg. In a candid interview with Sky Sports Golf, he opened up about the emotional toll of the previous week and the steps he’s taking to manage his feelings on the course.
"Coming off last week’s disappointing performance, I felt comfortable with the course and my game," MacIntyre explained. "I tried to leave the past behind. I’m driving the ball beautifully off the tee and being aggressive, which gives me a lot of wedge opportunities. I didn’t take many chances in the middle of the round, which was a bit disappointing, but five under is always a good start." He continued, emphasizing his commitment to emotional regulation: "I know what I did wasn’t the best way to handle things, but I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I work with a mental coach back home, and I’m learning to put the noise aside. My family, friends, and team are the ones I listen to. If I make a mistake, they tell me. That’s how I live my life—doing what I believe is right for me, my family, and my team.
Some people like it, some don’t, but at the end of the day it’s a job, and I try to perform the best I can." World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also featured in the opening round, recovering from an early mishap when his first tee shot flew out of bounds.
He steadied himself to finish three‑under‑par, aiming to rebound after a runner‑up finish to McIlroy at the Masters. Scheffler’s resilience highlighted the depth of talent in the field, where even the top‑ranked players must navigate the unique challenges of Harbour Town’s layout. Other notable performances included Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who posted a one‑under‑par round as he sought to rebound from a disappointing final round at Augusta, where he had been in contention heading into Sunday. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, however, struggled significantly, carding a five‑over‑par 77 that placed him in serious danger of missing the cut.
American Justin Thomas also faced difficulties, posting a 76 that left him well behind the leaders. The RBC Heritage continues to attract a global roster of talent, with players from across Europe, the United States, and beyond competing for the coveted title.
The tournament’s schedule, part of the 2026 PGA Tour calendar, offers fans multiple viewing options, including streaming without a contract and live coverage on Sky Sports Golf. Viewers are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
As the competition progresses, the narrative will focus on whether Åberg can maintain his early momentum and convert his eight‑under opening round into a tournament victory, or if MacIntyre’s emotional resilience and strong second‑day performance will propel him back into contention. The dynamic between the rising Swedish star and the seasoned Scottish player adds an intriguing layer to the event, especially given the backdrop of recent controversy and the high stakes of a Signature Event.
Fans can follow live coverage each day at noon, with Sky Sports offering both traditional broadcast and streaming options. For those looking to experience the course firsthand, the tournament’s organizers have partnered with over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, providing special rates for golf enthusiasts who wish to book a round at a nearby venue. The RBC Heritage promises to deliver high‑quality golf, compelling storylines, and a showcase of talent that will keep audiences engaged throughout its duration.