Scottie Scheffler in contention, Jon Rahm rises but Jimmy Walker leads at RBC Heritage

MIAMI – Scottie Scheffler, targeting a return to top spot in the world rankings, set himself up for a weekend push at the RBC Heritage after shooting a six-under 65 to move within three strokes of leader Jimmy Walker.

Victory would see Scheffler overtake Spain’s freshly crowned Masters champion Jon Rahm and become world No. 1 again.

But Rahm, who made a slow start with an opening-round 72, moved up the leaderboard with the day’s best score, a bogey-free 64.

After starting on the 10th tee, Scheffler chipped in for an eagle on the par-five second hole and ended his round with a bogey and a birdie. The American is one of three players on 133 overall, alongside England’s Justin Rose (67) and compatriot Xander Schauffele (66).

It is Scheffler’s first appearance at Hilton Head and he said that lack of knowledge has been a factor in his play so far.

“There’s a lot of nuances to this golf course and I’m still kind of learning on the fly,” he said.

“It’s just those nuances kind of help when you’re not really playing your best. I feel like I put myself in a few spots this week that haven’t been great. But outside of that, I’ve played a lot of solid golf.”

Rahm had been weary in his first round, after his exertions at Augusta National, but he was back into his groove after making four straight birdies on his front nine.

He had to make a ten-footer for par on his last hole, the ninth to keep his round bogey-free but said he was still battling with the after-effects of his Masters win.

“We did play 30 holes on Sunday on one of the hilliest walks all year. So adrenaline keeps you going so far and then it’s going to take a little bit for the body and mind to recover,” he said.

“I wish I could have taken the week off but it wasn’t the case. I took Monday and Tuesday off. I’m getting slightly better each day.”

Walker is a surprise leader but one whose return to form will hearten many of his colleagues on the tour. He has had to cope with the impact of Lyme disease – transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks – which emerged in 2016 and a series of complications badly affected his form.

The American, who has six wins on the PGA Tour but none since his Major victory at the PGA Championship in 2016, shot back-to-back 65s to lead the field.

“I’ve won golf tournaments in all sorts of fashions, big events. Played in the biggest stages. Nothing this weekend is any different than anything I’ve ever done honestly. I’ll just go do it again because it’s fun if you win,” he said. AFP