Åberg Leads RBC Heritage After Surprising Round 1

Several Masters standouts struggle as the young Swede takes the early lead at Harbour Town Golf Links

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:06am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the golf action at Harbour Town Golf Links, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant greens, browns, and blues suggesting the motion and energy of the tournament.Ludvig Åberg's blistering opening round at the RBC Heritage has set the stage for an unpredictable weekend of golf at the iconic Harbour Town course.Hilton Head Island Today

Ludvig Åberg, one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour this season, fired an impressive 8-under-par 63 to take the lead after the first round of the 2026 RBC Heritage. Several big names like Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth find themselves trailing the young Swede, who has already won twice this year. The no-cut format at Hilton Head's Harbour Town Golf Links often leads to unpredictable results, and Round 1 was no exception.

Why it matters

The RBC Heritage is a unique event on the PGA Tour schedule, coming just a week after the Masters. This scheduling often leads to surprising results, as players struggle to transition from the pressure-packed environment of Augusta to the tight, strategic layout at Harbour Town. The no-cut format also allows lesser-known players to make a move and challenge the game's top stars.

The details

Ludvig Åberg, who has already won twice on the PGA Tour this season, fired a stunning 8-under-par 63 to take the lead after the first round. Just one shot back are Harris English and Viktor Hovland, while a group of six players, including Gary Woodland, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick, sit at 6-under. Several big names like Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, and Jordan Spieth are within striking distance but will need to build momentum heading into Round 2.

  • The 2026 RBC Heritage is being played at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The players

Ludvig Åberg

A young Swedish golfer who has emerged as one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour this season, already winning twice.

Harris English

An experienced American golfer who is one shot back of the lead after the first round.

Viktor Hovland

A rising Norwegian star who is also one shot off the lead after the opening round.

Collin Morikawa

A top American player who is within striking distance but will need to make a move in the coming rounds.

Scottie Scheffler

The reigning Masters champion who is also looking to bounce back after a slow start at Harbour Town.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just trying to keep my head down and focus on my own game. There's a lot of golf left to be played, but it's nice to get off to a strong start.”

— Ludvig Åberg

“The transition from Augusta to Hilton Head is always a challenge. You have to reset both physically and mentally, and that's not easy to do in just a week.”

— Collin Morikawa

What’s next

With no cut at the RBC Heritage, all players will have the opportunity to make a move over the next three rounds. The leaderboard is tightly packed, setting up the potential for an exciting weekend of golf at Harbour Town.

The takeaway

The RBC Heritage's unique scheduling and format often leads to surprising results, as players struggle to transition from the intensity of the Masters. This year is no exception, with several big names trailing the young Swede Ludvig Åberg, who has emerged as one of the Tour's most consistent players this season.