Day quits Match Play to be with his ill mother

AUSTIN, Texas — Defending champion Jason Day withdrew from the Dell Technologies Match Play after six holes on Wednesday so he could be with his mother when she has surgery for lung cancer.

Day said his mother, Dening, had cancer diagnosed in Australia at the start of the year and was told she had 12 months to live. He moved her to Ohio in the past month for more tests, hopeful that surgery would lead to a chance for a recovery.

“It’s really hard to even comprehend being on the golf course right now because of what she’s gone through,” Day said after taking a moment to clear his voice and wipe away tears. “I’m glad I brought her over here. And it’s been really hard to play golf lately this year. It’s been very emotional, as you can tell. I’ve already gone through it once with my dad, and I know how it feels. And it’s hard enough to see another one go through it.”

His father, Alvin, died of stomach cancer when Day was 12. Day said he went through a wild streak after his father died until he was sent off to a golf academy. He rose to become a PGA champion and reach No. 1 in the world.

His mother took out a second mortgage on the house and borrowed money from relatives to pay for his schooling. After winning the PGA Championship in 2015, Day recalled watching her cut the lawn with a knife because they couldn’t afford a lawn mower and using a kettle for hot water to bathe. He once shopped for used clothes at a store where, for $5, he could stuff as much as he could into a bag.

“I just need some time away with her to make sure that everything goes well, because this has been very tough for me,” Day said. “So I’m going to do my best and try and be there the best I can for her because she is the reason that I’m playing golf today.”

Day did not take questions, leaving the press centre for his car with his wife, Ellie.

Day lives near Columbus, Ohio, where he met his wife when he was on the Nationwide Tour as a teenager trying to get his PGA Tour card.

His agent, Bud Martin, said Day’s mother was at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University in Columbus. He said the prognosis is better than what she had got in Australia and doctors hoped the cancer could be managed.

Day spoke to the media before leaving to avoid any speculation about his own health. A year ago at the Match Play, he tweaked his back in the opening round and wasn’t sure he would be able to continue. Instead, he won his next six matches to capture this World Golf Championships event for the second time.

The surgery for Day’s mother is scheduled for Friday.

“I’m hoping for a speedy recovery for her,” Day said.