Day hopes for fitting salute to The King

JASON Day believes defending the Arnold Palmer Invitational would be a tribute fit for “The King”, and history says the Australian can do it this week.

Before world No.2 Day claimed a one-shot victory in 2016, Tiger Woods and Matt Every won the US PGA Tour’s Bay Hill event in consecutive years – the trend starting in 2012.

Day posted a two-underpar 70 to sit just three shots back of co-leaders Matthew Fitzpatrick of England and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo after yesterday’s opening round.

The 29-year-old Australian is hopeful of honouring legendary seven-time major champion Palmer, who died in September aged 87.

Palmer was credited with popularising golf over a decorated career during which the charismatic American earned the nickname “The King”, winning 62 US PGA Tour titles.

“I think everyone is a little bit more emotional this year because of the passing of Mr Palmer; we’re so used to seeing him,” Day said.

“I feel good about (the title defence) and it would be nice to be able to back it up because I was the last guy to have that congratulatory drink with him.”

Beaudesert product Day braved tough, cold conditions at Orlando golf course that reduced his prodigious length with the driver.

Major winner Day was upstaged by 18-year-old prodigy Ryan Ruffels, who fired a 69 to join compatriot Greg Chalmers as the leading Australians in a tie for sixth at three-under.

Victorian Ruffels has been battling recently on the US PGA Tour’s third-tier Latino America circuit after narrowly missing out on the Web.com Tour playoffs in October.

Aaron Baddeley (70) joined Day at two-under and a shot further back in a share of 20th was Victorian Marc Leishman (71). Queenslander Rod Pampling sits in 46th after signing for a 73.