Key Takeaways
- Rickie Fowler and Kurt Kitayama were paired together for the first two rounds of the 2024 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links and will remain twosomes for the third round after both posting eight‑under‑par through 36 holes.
- Fowler shot a 69 in the second round; Kitayama’s play helped keep their rounds under four hours, a pace both players appreciate.
- Matt Fitzpatrick sits alone at the top of the leaderboard at 14‑under after rounds of 65 and 63, establishing a comfortable lead at the halfway stage.
- Fowler praised the Harbour Town layout, noting his game suits the course and that his extensive range work (561 practice balls) is paying off.
- Kitayama highlighted Fowler’s quick play and easygoing demeanor, saying the large galleries following their group add to the fun of the experience.
- Both players expect to fire mid‑60s rounds on Saturday, positioning themselves well for a final‑round push.
Rickie Fowler and Kurt Kitayama have become one of the storylines of the 2024 RBC Heritage after being paired together for the opening two rounds at Harbour Town Golf Links. Their compatibility was evident from the start: both players finished the first 36 holes at eight‑under‑par, securing a spot together for the third round as well. Fowler’s second‑round score of 69 left him in a solid position heading into the weekend, while Kitayama’s steady play helped keep their twosome’s pace brisk—both golfers noted they were comfortably under four hours for the round.
Fowler has been vocal about how well his game fits the Harbour Town layout. He described the course as suiting his abilities “to an absolute tee” and credited the work he’s put in on the range. Ahead of the tournament, Fowler struck an astonishing 561 practice balls, a regimen he believes is now translating to sharper performance on the course. “His game seems to be in great shape right now,” the article notes, adding that a lot of hard work has gone into refining his swing to his liking. When asked about his experience over the first two days, Fowler replied, “Yeah, it’s been nice the last two days,” emphasizing the enjoyment of playing alongside a partner who shares his tempo.
Kitayama echoed those sentiments, describing Fowler as a “great playing partner” who “plays fast” and is “easy to get along with.” The Japanese‑American professional appreciated the large galleries that tend to follow Fowler’s group, saying the attention adds to the fun of the event. He also highlighted the benefit of being paired with another player who prefers a quick pace, noting that it allowed them to move efficiently around the course and keep their rounds well under the typical four‑hour mark.
While Fowler and Kitayama are enjoying their twosome dynamic, the leaderboard tells a different story at the top. Matt Fitzpatrick has surged ahead with rounds of 65 and 63, placing him at a commanding 14‑under‑par after 36 holes. His performance has made him the runaway leader at the halfway stage, leaving a noticeable gap between himself and the chasing pack. Fitzpatrick’s consistency—combining a solid opening round with a brilliant second‑round 63—has given him a cushion that will be difficult to overcome unless someone posts a spectacular weekend.
Looking forward to Saturday, both Fowler and Kitayama expressed optimism about posting rounds in the mid‑60s. If they can maintain their current form and continue to capitalize on their quick play, they stand a solid chance of moving up the leaderboard and giving themselves a genuine shot at contention heading into the final round. The pairing has clearly worked well for both players, blending Fowler’s hard‑won range work with Kitayama’s steady, agreeable demeanor, and the RBC Heritage spectators are likely to see more enjoyable, fast‑paced golf from the duo as the tournament progresses.