Most-Picked Players: RBC Heritage

PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf presented by SERVPRO Gamers know things, but if you weren’t already aware that the distribution of value was substantive at the RBC Heritage, you are now. There was no question that Matt Kuchar would be the most owned at Harbour Town. He’s a former winner (2014), possesses a rock-solid history on the Pete Dye design, comes off a T4 at the Masters and hasn’t exhibited a long-ranging regression of form that would have dissuaded investors (i.e. the absence of a negative is a positive). So, when you view him through those lenses, it’s fair to wonder why “only” 61.5 percent of gamers plugged him into one of their maximum six roster spots this week. Whatever the case, the bigger story is each of the top 20 in ownership percentages at the RBC Heritage is rostered by at least 10 percent of you. The fanning of that love is greater than any other tournament since the holiday break. Indeed, it’s a fair representation of the depth of the field. See, gamers know. Yet, what there is of chalk doesn’t line up like you’d think. For example, four-time Heritage runner-up Luke Donald slots a mere 13th with 17.5 percent. Although they are recent winners, it’s striking to see how Russell Henley and Adam Hadwin run circles around the Englishman in faith at Harbour Town. Even Martin Kaymer ranks higher. So, for what is a buffet of talent on the board, you can argue that recent form has influenced investments more than any other tournament this year because Donald’s form is uninspiring upon arrival. Notables omitted below include Tyrrell Hatton (23rd, 8.1 percent), Bryson DeChambeau (26th, 6.5 percent), Wesley Bryan (29th, 6.0 percent) and five-time RBC Heritage champion Davis Love III (36th, 3.6 percent). NOTE: Rob’s Rating refers to where our Fantasy Insider slotted a golfer in his Power Rankings. Golfers in the Power Rankings and outside the top 10 in most owned PGA TOUR Fantasy One & Done presented by SERVPRO Shocker. Matt Kuchar’s ownership percentage of 31.3 at the RBC Heritage is a fraction shy of the aggregate committed to the golfers ranked 2-7. This is the kind of all-in decision-making once reserved for Tiger Woods at Bay Hill or Torrey Pines or Firestone or Augusta National. Since it was predictable, the majority has accepted the dreaded-but-valuable push. However, if Kuchar doesn’t win, then his owners may feel remorseful or even jilted for being so committed. Yes, if you’re front-running, he was the play. He fell under the best-offense-is-a-good-defense strategy. However, regardless of your position, if you hedge that he won’t win – he hasn’t anywhere since his title at Harbour Town in 2014 – and invest elsewhere, then you not only stand a chance of banking more FedExCup points but also experiencing the bonus of feeling that you’ve beaten the system. Emotion aside, the hedge is another reason why my goal is a top 10. Focusing only on wins can be counterproductive in the long-term. Notables outside the top 10 include Jason Dufner (11th, 2.3 percent), William McGirt (13th, 2.1 percent), Tyrrell Hatton (17th, 1.1 percent) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (18th, 1.0 percent).

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