Power Rankings: Scottie Scheffler Looks to Ride the Wave at RBC Heritage

Fresh off a Masters title, Scheffler leads this week's Power Rankings at Harbour Town, where an elite field is ready to challenge him.

Scottie Scheffler hits his approach shot to the No. 1 green. / Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK

Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the PGA Tour drops into Harbour Town for the RBC Heritage. Here’s how our model sees this week shaping up:

2024 RBC Heritage Preview

Designed by the legendary Pete Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town Golf Links was first opened in 1969. It’s a par-71 stretching over 7,099 yards and characterized by narrow fairways, small greens and strategic play. (And of course, for the distinctive lighthouse near the 18th hole.) The course is less about the long game and more about precision, strategic thinking and adaptability. Here are the players our model likes this week: 

KeyCompete’s 2024 RBC Heritage Power Rankings

1. Scottie Scheffler (+360): Fresh off a dominant win at the Masters, Scheffler enters as the favorite in the sports books and in our rankings. Everything is clicking for him, and this week his precision off the tee could turn out to be his biggest asset. Paired with fellow Texan Jordan Spieth for Rounds 1 and 2.

2. Xander Schauffele (+1000): Steady play and excellent iron game make him a strong pick. Never quite contended at Augusta but finished solo 8th.

3. Ludvig Åberg (+1200): His rapid ascent continues. Analytical and also possessor of a great short game. Solo runner-up at Augusta in a performance that could be a turning point in his career.

4. Patrick Cantlay (+1600): A strategist at heart, his game fits well here. Iron play and experience on similar courses make him a threat.

5. Rory McIlroy (+1100): Driver won’t carry him this week, but his improved wedge play and putting could see him defy expectations.

6. Matt Fitzpatrick (+2200): Defending champion. Known for his tactical intelligence, controlled irons and accuracy, he’s likely to be in the mix once again.

7. Cameron Young (+2500): An aggressive player, he’ll need to blend his natural power with precision.

8. Will Zalatoris (+2500): T9 last week at the Masters as he builds his way up following an injury-marred lost season. Iron play a great fit here.

9. Sahith Theegala (+3500): T5 here last year. Another great iron player looking to take the next step.

10. Jordan Spieth (+2500): MC at Augusta was a reminder of his nagging inconstancy, but when locked in still possesses an exceptional short game and will always be a threat at a course like Harbour Town. Winner here in 2022, runner-up last year.

2024 Masters Recap

Scottie Scheffler won the Masters while leaning on his trademark consistency and mental toughness. From the outset, he demonstrated a level of control and composure that separated him from the rest of the field, which was only magnified under pressure Sunday afternoon as his closest pursuers wilted around him. It should also be said that Ludvig Åberg, participating in his first Masters, exceeded all expectations and proved that he’s ready to become a star.

KeyCompete modeling had a strong week and brought our yearly record on our picks to 65-48.