Second event back, second free-for-all

RBC Heritage crowded like Colonial

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The PGA Tour’s return to competition has brought together the strongest fields of the year on courses that have not been overly punishing, and the result is the same.

It’s another free-for-all at the RBC Heritage.

Webb Simpson practically had to apologize for a 3-under 68, in which he managed just one birdie on the back nine. He was part of a four-way tie for the lead, and that was good enough for him. He also knows good probably won’t cut it Sunday at Harbour Town.

“It’s not like I’ve got a three- or four-shot lead and could shoot a couple under,” he said. “It’s going to take a good one.”

Tyrrell Hatton had one of six rounds at 63, giving the 28-year-old from England a share of the lead as he goes for his second straight victory, albeit three months apart because of the shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abraham Ancer, so solid with his irons, had a 65 and joined the lead along with Ryan Palmer, who had a 66.

They were at 15-under 198, a number that didn’t even start to explain the low scoring.

Even with Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele sputtering to 75s, the field was 223-under par, the lowest for any round since the RBC Heritage began in 1969.

There were 35 players at 10 under or better, compared with only one player (Dustin Johnson) a year ago. The previous mark was seven players at double digits under par through 54 holes.

Most telling were the opportunities on Sunday.

There were 21 players separated by just three shots going into the final round. A week ago at Colonial, there were 14 players separated by three shots.

“I think the fields have been extremely strong,” Ancer said. “Everybody out here was just eager to come out and play. Thre greens are a little bit soft, especially this week, and the ball isn’t really rolling out as much as you’re used to on the greens and on the fairways. That’s yielding a little bit more birdies, for sure.”

Colonial winner Daniel Berger, Carlos Ortiz and Joel Dahmen all shot 63s to sit one stroke back.

Gerry Broome The Associated Press Co-leader Webb Simpson chips onto the green Saturday during the third round of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C.