The professional golfing scene resumes its thrilling pace after the Masters, characterized by a series of high-profile events. This week, the PGA Tour is set to showcase the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, alongside significant tournaments on the LPGA Tour and the Champions Tour.
The RBC Heritage takes place from April 16-19 at the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links, where competitors will tackle a par 71 track measuring 7,243 yards. The tournament features a substantial purse of $20 million, with the winner set to pocket $3.6 million. Justin Thomas returns as the defending champion, looking to fend off a field that boasts 41 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Broadcasting options are plentiful, with Golf Channel airing coverage from Thursday to Friday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET, and Saturday to Sunday showing from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event can also be streamed through ESPN+ daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Unlike previous weeks, the absence of Rory McIlroy, now the world No. 2 after his Masters victory, is notable. He will not compete in this event, and No. 4 Justin Rose has withdrawn after a strong performance at Augusta. Rose's spot is filled by Michael Thorbjornsen. With the withdrawal of some top names, the field expands to 82 players, including 10 who secured victories on the PGA Tour in 2025 due to the cancellation of The Sentry.
Among the first-time participants at this iconic event are nine golfers including Chandler Blanchet and Michael Brennan. This week's field features players who have excelled in recent tournaments. Scottie Scheffler, a past winner of this event, is seen as a leading contender alongside other strong competitors like Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick, who has a recent win at the 2023 RBC Heritage.
Scheffler commented on his relationship with the course, saying, "I really like the golf course. It forces you to shape it both ways," indicating the challenges the course presents, especially under windy conditions.
Sepp Straka, looking to improve upon his previous performances, stated, "A lot better off the tee today... yesterday was pretty shaky off the tee. Today was a lot better. So yeah, that definitely made it a lot easier today."
In parallel, the LPGA Tour features the LA Championship at El Caballero Country Club, running from April 16-19. This event features a total purse of $3.75 million and includes defending champion Ingrid Lindblad. The field is strong, with Nelly Korda leading the Race to CME Globe standings and Hyo Joo Kim, the highest-ranked player in attendance, boasting two wins already this season. The tournament is expected to offer intense competition with many top players, including Lizette Salas returning from a back injury.
On the Champions Tour, the Senior PGA Championship takes place at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, from April 16-19. Defending champion Angel Cabrera will headline the event, which marks the first major of the year. The tournament draws a robust field, including seven World Golf Hall of Fame members.
Lastly, LIV Golf has its tournament in Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec, emphasizing the growing diversity of golf events lining up this week.
As the golf calendar continues to unfold, attention now shifts toward the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, set for April 23-26, an event that promises to bring a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent into play.
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*Originally published on [Golf News Global](https://golfnews.global/article/pga-tour-kicks-off-signature-event-post-masters-champions-major-begins). Visit for full coverage.*
