Ludvig Aberg fashioned a bogey-free round of eight under 63 on Thursday to take the first round lead in the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island. Oberg moved to the lead with a 15-foot birdie putt on the 17th green, then parred in for his lowest round in nine trips around Harbour Town.
Viktor Hovland and Harris English sit in a tie for second, one shot back of Aberg. There’s a five way tie for fifth at minus six among Wofford’s Andrew Novak, the playoff loser to Justin Thomas last year, Michael Brennan, Gary Woodland, Ryan Fox and Rickie Fowler.
Novak, who opened last year’s tournament with a three under 68, had seven birdies and one bogey on his round.
Bluffton’s Brian Campbell carded a three under 68. Clemson’s Lucas Glover recorded a two under 69. And Clemson’s Jacob Bridgeman slipped to a four over 75.
Masters runnerup Scottie Scheffler overcame two bogeys on the front to finish at three under 68. And defending champ Thomas struggled to a five over 76.
First-Round Leaderboard
- 1 Ludvig Åberg 63 (-8)
- T2 Harris English 64 (-7)
- T2 Viktor Hovland 64 (-7)
- T4 Michael Brennan 65 (-6)
- T4 Gary Woodland 65 (-6)
- T4 Ryan Fox 65 (-6)
- T4 Rickie Fowler 65 (-6)
- T4 Andrew Novak 65 (-6)
- T4 Matt Fitzpatrick 65 (-6)