⛳ RBC Heritage First-Round Leader Prediction & Odds: Who Leads After Round 1 in Hilton Head Island, SC?

No surprise here - Scottie Scheffler (+1300) is the favorite and headlines our RBC Heritage first-round leader predictions, as a strong field at this PGA Tour Signature Event gears up to compete for a $20 million purse.

Tee times are set to begin at 7:05 a.m. ET off the first tee. Scheffler also enters as the +440 outright betting favorite according to the RBC Heritage odds. Catch Thursday’s opening round on PGA Tour Live (ESPN+) and Golf Channel throughout the day.

💰 RBc Heritage first-round leader predictions

Here are our top golf picks for the 18-hole leader of the RBC Heritage.

⛳ Who'll lead the RBC Heritage after Round 1?

Scottie Scheffler (+1300)

Scottie Scheffler is a strong pick to lead after the first round at the RBC Heritage thanks to his elite ball-striking and consistency tee to green. Harbour Town rewards precision over power, and Scheffler’s iron play gives him a major edge on a course that demands accuracy.

He consistently creates birdie opportunities and limits mistakes, which is key in a low-scoring opening round. With calm conditions expected early, Scheffler can take advantage of a favorable tee time. If he gets the putter going even slightly, he has all the tools to post the day’s lowest score.

Jake Knapp (+3500)

Jake Knapp is a compelling long-shot to grab first-round leader honors at the RBC Heritage thanks to his aggressive scoring ability and confidence early in tournaments. He’s shown a willingness to attack pins and pile up birdies, which is exactly what you need in a one-round sprint.

Harbour Town may favor precision, but Knapp’s improving iron play makes him dangerous if he finds rhythm quickly. With less pressure compared to the favorites, he can play freely. If his putter heats up early, Knapp has the upside to post a low number and surprise the field.

Tommy Fleetwood (+2500)

Tommy Fleetwood is an excellent candidate to lead after the first round at the RBC Heritage thanks to his elite ball-striking and comfort on positional golf courses. Harbour Town suits his accuracy off the tee and sharp iron play, allowing him to consistently hit greens and set up birdie chances. 

Fleetwood often starts tournaments quickly, gaining strokes early before settling into contention. His experience in windy, coastal conditions also gives him an edge if the breeze picks up. If his putter cooperates, Fleetwood has the tools to go low and post the clubhouse-leading score Thursday.

Our Dustin Saracini breaks down his RBC Heritage Long Shots & Sleeper Picks 2026.

⛅ What to consider when betting on the first-round leader

Betting on the first-round leader of any golf tournament is far different than betting on the tournament winner or any prop market.

Here are the factors I always consider with my first-round leader picks:

• Tee times
• Weather
• Course history
• Round 1 scoring average
• Recent form
• Key stats for the week

The first-round leader betting market is much more volatile than the 72-hole event. As such, the odds for the tournament favorites are higher in this market, and the odds for the long shots are generally slightly shorter when betting on the 18-hole sample.

Early tee times are typically best to target for your picks. Courses are often at their softest and easiest, with no divots in the fairways or wear on the greens. But the weather can significantly change that line of thought. Monitor the weatherto be sure your desired golfers will be dodging the worst of the rain and wind, should any be in the forecast.

I also greatly reduce my timeframe when looking at recent performance entering Thursday's first round.

Thursday's weather at Harbour Town Golf Links

Weather from Accuweather:

📊 RBc Heritage first-round leader odds

Here are the RBC Heritage first-round leader odds via our best golf betting sites.