Good Day: World's top-ranked golfer finishes strong
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) - Jason Day was back to looking like the world's top-ranked golfer as he wrapped up the RBC Heritage, following up a season-worst 79 in the third round with a 3-under 68 on Sunday.
Day now starts a welcome week off after a remarkable - and grueling - run of tournament golf that included victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the WGC-Dell Match Play before a tie for 10th last week at the Masters.
Day looked as though he'd have a chance to add this trophy to his case, sharing the 36-hole lead at Harbour Town Golf Links. But his Saturday round here included a double bogey and eight bogeys to drop off the pace.
"Yesterday was kind of an off day, but it's nice to get a round under par," Day said. "I get a break now."
Day made sure to leave on a high note. He was much more on target in the final round with four birdies and finished with his third round in the 60s here. In all, Day said he has plenty of positives from his week here and won't linger on his lost third round.
"I've had three great rounds and just one really, really poor round that put me out of the tournament," Day said. "I did a lot of great stuff this week, especially coming off the back end of a major and the back end off two wins."
Day shot 67-69 his first two rounds at Harbour Town and shared the lead with Charley Hoffman and Kevin Chappell. After his third round, Day said he tried to bring the right mental attitude into Sunday and not dwell on the problems.
The Australian did not let the 79 - his worst round since an 81 in The Players Championship in 2015 - affect his demeanor with fans. He joked with a group in the stands at No. 15 when his second shot landed into the seats.
When a small boy asked Day for his autograph, the golfer replied, "You can have my glove. Thanks, buddy."
For Day, the time off will focus on fitness and strength training. He said this stint - Day says he's been away from his Columbus, Ohio, home for all but 10 days since Dec. 28 - has him out of sorts and leaning on bad habits that he hopes to correct.
"I need some time to recover and rest up," he said.