Designated events, elevated demands

Schedules grow full and each step takes just a bit more effort for defending RBC Heritage champion Jordan Spieth (left), 2023 Masters champ Jon Rahm and other PGA Tour stars. Photo: Rob Carr, Getty Images

HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA | As the defending champion of the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, Jordan Spieth starred Tuesday in the annual ritual of hitting a ceremonial tee shot with an old wooden club as a cannon thundered, officially starting tournament week.

Three days after one of the most miserable weather days in Masters memory, the conditions alongside Calibogue Sound were as close to perfect as possible. Blue skies, temperature in the low 70s, the softest of breezes and sunshine sparkling off the water.

As worksites go, there are few better.

Rory McIlroy, champion of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open who missed the cut at last week's Masters, sits out the RBC Heritage this we...