Without Jordan Spieth, RBC Heritage spotlight falls squarely on Jason Day

If Jordan Spieth should turn up at Harbour Town after a second consecutive Masters title, it would only be for some R&R.

The defending Masters champion, who still topped the field after Friday’s wild second round, opted not to become a late addition for next week’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. That leaves the spotlight to world No. 1 Jason Day, seeking a third victory in a five-week span.

The list features eight other players among the top 30 in the world rankings, including Open Championship titleholder Zach Johnson and Aiken native Kevin Kisner, beaten in a Harbour Town playoff by Jim Furyk last year.

Furyk will not defend his title, letting his surgically repaired wrist continue to heal. He’ll still hit one shot at Harbour Town, fulfilling his champion’s role Monday by striking the ceremonial opening drive into Calibogue Sound.

Among a smattering of late additions was Tony Finau, who scored his first PGA Tour victory two weekends ago in Puerto Rico, and former IJGA student Morgan Hoffmann. Final sponsor exemptions were given to a pair of South Carolina favorites — Sam Saunders and Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey — along with former Duke standout Wes Roach.

Weeklong badges and daily tickets are available for purchase at RBCHeritage.com, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce offices or via Kroger outlets in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

Spieth endeared himself to Lowcountry fans last year when he kept his commitment to the Heritage, despite the whirlwind media tour in the days immediately after the Masters champion receives his green jacket.

He arrived at Harbour Town late on Tuesday, acknowledged a certain fatigue and carded a 3-over-par 74 in his opening round. The young Texan rebounded with a 62 the next day, though, and wound up tied for 11th.

This time Spieth remained noncommittal right up to the Masters, with his agent saying last week they had not come to a decision.

Fans still can take in one of golf’s new Big Three in Day, the affable Australian whose victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and WGC Dell Match Play moved him to the top of the world rankings. That followed a 2015 breakthrough in which he won the PGA Championship and four other PGA Tour events.

Day has a Lowcountry connection, too, as caddie/coach Colin Swatton has been a Bluffton resident for several years.

Also prominent will be Bryson DeChambeau, set to make his professional debut after winning both U.S. Amateur and NCAA individual titles last year. He lurked just one shot behind Spieth’s lead Friday at Augusta National, until a snap hook off the tee at No.18 led to a triple bogey.

Others in the Heritage field who are playing well at Augusta National are Danny Lee, two shots off Spieth’s pace after Friday, and former Harbour Town champion Brandt Snedeker (three back).

Your Guide to the RBC Heritage

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Need to know: Schedule | Parking guide | Tickets

How to: Insider tips for a great Heritage | Hosting a Heritage Party | 5 must-make stops | Sights to see this year | What to wear | Reopened Lilly Pulitzer store celebrating 'Christmas' ahead of RBC Heritage

Previews: Without Spieth, Heritage spotlight falls on Jason Day | 10 who can win | Preparations at Harbour Town | Jason Bohn chooses RBC Heritage for return from heart surgery | Harbour Town Golf Links course guide | Bluffton bests Hilton Head in RBC Heritage social media challenge | Lauderdale: Spirit of Heritage elusive | RBC Heritage history | Past winners | Heritage facts

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This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Without Jordan Spieth, RBC Heritage spotlight falls squarely on Jason Day."