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Masters champion Jordan Spieth shots 3-over 74, falls 8 strokes back in RBC Heritage

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Jordan Spieth hits off the third tee during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head Island, S.C., Thursday, April 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (The Associated Press)

Graeme McDowell, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot down the 16th fairway during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head Island, S.C., Thursday, April 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) (The Associated Press)

Jordan Spieth had a post-Masters letdown Thursday, shooting a 3-over 74 at the RBC Heritage to end his run of 16 straight rounds under par.

Spieth vowed his whirlwind, two-day celebration tour of New York after winning the green jacket Sunday wouldn't affect his focus. But it was apparent early on at Harbour Town that Spieth was not at his Augusta National best.

Spieth was visibly frustrated on the eighth hole when his second shot from pine straw landed well short of the green.

The 21-year-old Texan was eight shots behind leaders Graeme McDowell and Matt Every, who were at 5-under 66.

Spieth chalked it up to a bad day of golf. He'll need significant improvement Friday to make his eighth consecutive cut.