RBC Heritage: Top 10 power rankings at Harbour Town

Rory McIlroy’s performance Sunday at the Charles Schwab Challenge added fuel to the fire for critics who say he doesn’t get it done enough while in contention. The world No. 1 entered Sunday just three shots off the pace and showed no signs of rust after the PGA Tour’s 13-week hiatus. A Saturday 63 vaulted him to T-9th on the leaderboard tied the low round of the tournament.

He then sputtered right off the bat, going 5-over in his first seven holes. He hit just eight greens and lost nearly three shots on the greens to the field.

McIlroy’s finished T-32nd to end his streak of seven consecutive top-fives worldwide (six PGA Tour). It was his worst result since a missed cut at the 2019 Open Championship.

Now, the Northern Irishman looks to get back on track at an infrequent stop on his schedule.

McIlroy’s only appearance at the RBC Heritage came in 2009 as a shaggy-haired 19-year-old. He posted 72-71-72-71 to finish T-58th in his fourth start in the US as a pro.

His lack of appearances at Harbour Town are likely due to a couple factors. One, the tournament is usually the week after the Masters, an event where McIlroy often contends. Two, he’s a bomber who can’t be too keen of this narrow Pete Dye layout.

But, you don’t get to be the best in the game by just being a horse for courses. He played well at a similar course, Colonial, for three rounds last week.

McIlroy has won at a Pete Dye course before at the 2019 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

The 31-year-old ranks second on Tour in total strokes gained and has been elite with every club but the putter. He’s been dialed in from 125-175 yards this season.

I think Rory is looking forward to getting to Ohio later in the month. But would you be surprised if he snuck one out here? I wouldn’t.