2026 RBC Heritage Round 1 Tee Times at Harbour Town

Where Golf Meets the Marsh

There's a particular stillness at Harbour Town Golf Links in the early morning hours that feels almost sacred. The Spanish moss hangs motionless from the live oaks, the marsh water reflects the soft Carolina sky, and somewhere in the distance, the lighthouse stands sentinel over what will soon be competitive chaos.

Thursday, April 16th, marks the beginning of the 2026 RBC Heritage, and the tee times released this week have me genuinely excited about what we'll witness at one of golf's most beloved venues.

A Star-Studded Morning Wave

The first balls will fly at 7:05 a.m. ET when David Lipsky and Chandler Blanchet step onto the first tee. But the morning truly comes alive at 7:55 a.m. when Rickie Fowler tees it up alongside Lucas Glover and Patrick Rodgers.

Fowler arrives at Harbour Town carrying the weight of a winless streak that stretches back to 2023. The six-time PGA Tour winner earned his spot in this Signature Event through his 32nd-place finish in last year's FedEx Cup standings, but recent form has been troubling—he missed the cut at both the Texas Children's Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open in his unsuccessful bid to earn a Masters invitation.

Walking alongside Kurt Kitayama, Fowler will be looking to rediscover the magic that once made him one of the game's most electric players. Harbour Town has a way of rewarding creativity and shot-making over pure power, which could suit his game beautifully.

The Late Morning Showcase

If you're planning your viewing schedule, mark down the 10:05 a.m. pairing of Justin Thomas and Ludvig Åberg—two generational talents sharing a tee time that promises fireworks. Twenty minutes later, Cameron Young and Jordan Spieth follow, a pairing that pairs youthful power with championship pedigree.

The 10:25 a.m. slot brings Billy Horschel and Sahith Theegala together, while earlier in the morning, the international contingent shines with Min Woo Lee and Taylor Pendrith at 8:30 a.m., and Robert MacIntyre joining Ben Griffin at 9:10 a.m.

Fresh off his Masters runner-up finish, Scottie Scheffler will be among the contenders navigating Harbour Town's tight corridors and deceptive greens—a true test of precision over power.

The Course That Demands Respect

I've walked Harbour Town dozens of times, and it never fails to humble me. This isn't a course where you overpower your way to victory. The Pete Dye masterpiece demands thoughtfulness, demands that you consider angles and wind and the peculiar way the ball bounces off Bermuda grass that's been painted by salt air.

The lighthouse at the 18th—that iconic red-and-white beacon—will serve as the backdrop for what promises to be a compelling week. There's something about finishing a round with that structure looming over you, the marsh spreading out to your left, the gallery pressed close. It's intimate in a way few Tour venues manage.

How to Watch

Golf Channel will carry Thursday's first round coverage from 2-6 p.m. ET, but if you want the full experience, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ offers exclusive early streaming starting at 7 a.m. ET, including featured group and featured hole coverage. For those of us who believe the morning wave often provides the best scoring conditions, that early coverage is essential viewing.

Key Takeaways

Rickie Fowler tees off at 7:55 a.m. ET, seeking his first win since 2023
Strong pairings include Thomas/Åberg (10:05 a.m.) and Young/Spieth (10:25 a.m.)
Coverage begins on ESPN+ at 7 a.m. ET, Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET
Harbour Town's precision demands make this anyone's tournament to claim