Woods: a new Day is coming

TIGER Woods believes the golf world should be wary that Queenslander Jason Day has another weapon in his arsenal as he continues his quest to regain his world No. 1 ranking.

The 14-time major champion Woods says Day has developed the ability to win without producing his best during two US PGA Tour victories this year.

Those results propelled the Queenslander seven spots up the rankings to No.7 leading into The Players Championship, regarded the US tour’s unofficial fifth major, in Florida starting tonight.

Day fought the stumbles during a two-shot win at last week’s Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina, where he carded four bogeys during the final round.

In January, he won a second title at Torrey Pines despite opening the event with a 73 and needing six sudden-death playoff holes to defeat Sweden’s Alex Noren.

The pair of victories haven’t come as easily as the five Day earned during a breakout 2015 season, which included a maiden major title at the US PGA Championship.

But Woods believes Day is now more complete golfer.

“Well, 2015 was one of those special years where Jason hit the ball unbelievably well,” Woods said.

“He has two wins this year, not quite as (dominant), but that’s learning how to win.

“I’ve won numerous times not playing well but (I) found a way to score and get the job done and that’s what he’s doing.”

Woods has no doubt 30-yearold Day can reclaim top spot.

“He’s already done it, and there’s no reason why he can’t do it again,” Woods said.

Day topped the rankings for 47 consecutive weeks before surrendering it to Dustin Johnson in February 2017, in the midst of a tumultuous year.

Day revealed in March last year that his mother Dening had been diagnosed with lung cancer, before wife Ellie suffered a miscarriage in November while pregnant with the couple’s third child.

Day, who won the 2016 Players Championship, says the fire has returned as he enters a new chapter in his career.

“Everything feels balanced in my life, I’ve got no problems at home or distractions. I’m focused on golf,” Day said.

“I’m very motivated to keep pushing this more and more.”