(Reuters) - World number one Jason Day, U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson and second-ranked Jordan Spieth command the spotlight at this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio where Rory McIlroy is a conspicuous absentee.
Two years ago, four-times major winner McIlroy clinched the prestigious title at Firestone Country Club by two shots but he will not be competing in the 2016 edition as he is playing instead in the European Tour's French Open.
Traditionally, the Bridgestone Invitational is held in early August but the PGA Tour event was brought forward by more than a month this year to accommodate golf's return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.