RBC Heritage preview, picks & analysis

Post by Golf Writer, Derek Clements

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YOU would expect there to be an "after the Lord Mayor's Show" feeling about the RBC Heritage at the glorious Harbour Town golf links this week, but Jordan Spieth, the Masters champion, will be doing his best to ensure that doesn't happen.

He could be forgiven for withdrawing, but that is not his style. Nor is it in his make-up to turn up for any tournament and give anything other than his best. The world number two has two wins and two runners-up finishes in his past four events but surely there will be nothing left in the tank? If it were just about any other player, that would probably be the case, but his victory at Augusta probably didn't take as much out of his him as you might expect. Hhe is only 21 after all, and he simply loves to play golf.

Surprisingly, 10 of the world's top 30 make the trip from Augusta and I expect one of them to come out on top. Measuring 7,101 yards, it is one of the shortest courses on the PGA Tour, but with its narrow fairways and small greens it demands accuracy with all clubs. Bombers don't tend to do particularly well here, and that's why I expect to see Matt Kuchar, the defending champion, making a decent fist of holding on to his title.

Kuchar is not an especially long hitter, but when it comes to putting the ball in the right place, he has few peers. And he showed enough glimpses at Augusta to show that he is fairly close to being at the top of his game. Jim Furyk missed the cut at The Masters, but Harbour Town could have been designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus with him in mind. He seems to have forgotten how to close out tournaments, but is also one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour.

Then there is Luke Donald. He finished second last year and in six successive visits is a total of 47 under par without ever winning. The Englishman is sliding down the world rankings as he attempts to groove in swing changes and he needs to arrest his decline, and quickly. He loves this golf course and, hopefully, a return to one of his favourite layouts will signal a return to some kind of form.

Brandt Snedeker, who has returned to form in 2015 and already has a victory under his belt, is another who has played well here in the past. And you should keep an eye on Chez Reavie, one of the straightest drivers on tour, and Kevin Streelman, who performed well at Augusta and is due another victory.

RBC Heritage betting picks (odds to follow shortly)

TO WIN: Matt Kuchar: Great chance of defending

Each way: Jordan Spieth: I wouldn't put anything past him

Each way: Luke Donald: Needs a morale-boosting performance

Fantasy picks:

Matt Kuchar: Good shotmaker - the key to Harbour Town

Jordan Spieth: Logic says no, head says yes

Luke Donald: Will have plenty of positive thoughts

Brandt Snedeker: Looking like his old self once again

Jim Furyk: Made to measure for the old guy

Chez Reavie: Hardly misses any fairways

Russell Knox: The Scot keeps improving

Graeme McDowell: If ever a course should suit G-Mac, this is it

Charles Howell: Getting closer and closer

Kevin Streelman: Arrives on the back of a decent Masters