Rickie Fowler and Kurt Kitayama have found a perfect rhythm together at the RBC Heritage, both on the leaderboard and on the course. After finishing the first 36 holes tied at eight-under-par, the duo will be paired again for Saturday's third round at Harbour Town Golf Links.
While Matt Fitzpatrick holds a commanding lead at 14-under, Fowler and Kitayama are well-positioned for a weekend charge. Fowler, in particular, seems to have found a groove, crediting a pre-tournament grind of over 500 range balls for his sharp form.
The pairing has proven to be a comfortable one, largely due to a shared preference for a brisk pace. When asked about his first two rounds, Fowler highlighted the efficiency of their play. "Really enjoyed playing with Kurt. I feel like we’re both fairly quick players... I’m pretty sure we were definitely under four hours," Fowler said, appreciating the smooth, cruising pace of their round.
For a player like Fowler, who thrives on momentum, avoiding slow-play delays can be a significant advantage, allowing him to maintain his focus and flow. Kitayama echoed the sentiment, calling Fowler "a great playing partner," despite the large galleries following their group.
With their games in sync and a comfortable pace established, both Fowler and Kitayama will look to capitalize on their solid positioning. Another quick, collaborative round could see either player make a serious move up the leaderboard on moving day at Hilton Head.
