Baker-Finch concerned for injured Day

IAN Baker-Finch is more concerned by the frequency of Jason Day’s back injuries than the 32-year-old’s withdrawal from the Australian summer of golf.

Day has pulled out of a scheduled homecoming tour, where he was to headline this week’s Australian Open in Sydney before playing for the International team in next week’s Presidents Cup in

Melbourne. The former world No.1 cited the latest in a series of back issues he has suffered this year.

In March, Day was forced to withdraw hurt after playing six holes of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Weeks later, he received on-course medical treatment on his back during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National, where he eventually tied fifth. A concerned Baker-Finch urged Day to focus on rehabilitating his back. “I’m very disappointed that Jason isn’t coming back, it would have been great for fans to see him play two big events in two Australian cities,” Australian Olympic golf team captain Baker-Finch said.

“But I’m more concerned about his back, for a 32-yearold, than I am about him not returning to Australia.

“Playing through injury just to satisfy fans can only worsen his back and hurt his confidence if he’s playing poorly in front of home crowds.

“He needs to spend time rehabilitating his back for next year, because he is a remarkable talent who has had an unlucky run with injuries.”

Day has faced criticism from Australian fans for playing the Open just five times — including two as an amateur — while building a stellar career in the US highlighted by 51 weeks as the world’s top-ranked golfer.