Day lightens mood
NEW clubs, new caddy, a trusty old yardage book and those same Augusta chills are Jason Day’s recipe for Masters success.
The Queenslander has put together a preparation package he believes has him perfectly placed to absorb the pressure that comes with his ferocious pursuit of a green jacket, and also have enough fun to make it happen.
He’s shelved the clubs he used to win at Torrey Pines in January, but stuck with the caddy, childhood friend Rika Batibasaga, and reached out to former mentor Col Swatton for the “magic numbers” he put together in seven previous Augusta efforts to aid the new team this week.
But beyond having downloaded the right data, Day believes that in “Rika” he has the man to help him hit the right mental notes as they combat what plenty believe is the toughest test in golf.
“This week we won’t go over the numbers because I know how thorough Colin is with being here, but having Rika on the bag this week, I think hopefully that will make things a little bit more light out there for me and a little bit more fun,” Day said.
“Because over the last few years it’s been more of a grind trying to get that win because a lot of people have come up to me and said: ‘This is your year, this is your year, you’re going to win one.’
“And that can add a little bit more pressure. So hopefully I have my good close buddy out there with me and we can make things a little less stressful and go out there and have fun.”
A year ago Day hit Augusta with the weight of the world on his shoulders, as his mother battled cancer, which she has since overcome.
He still finished tied 22nd – and with an Augusta record that doesn’t include a finish worse than 28th in six starts, Day knows a Masters win is there for the taking.
He also knows this version is the most anticipated in years, with the best players in the world in winning form all at the same time.
OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS IT’S BEEN MORE OF A GRIND JASON DAY