The story of Morgan Hoffmann’s return to competitive golf dominated the early storyline at the RBC Heritage. In his first PGA Tour appearance in 2 ½ years, Hoffmann fired an even-par 71 on Harbour Town Golf Links, showing few ill effects of the Muscular Dystrophy he was diagnosed with five years ago.
But while his colleagues on the Tour were happy to see the former Oklahoma State star and former No. 1 amateur in the world back in action, once the first shot was played any tenderness was quick to wear off.
In fact, playing partner Harold Varner III, fresh off a top-25 finish in his Masters debut, shed light on the cutthroat mentality Tour players need to maintain. Varner was asked if he noticed any changes in Hoffmann’s swing since he’d last seen him play.
