Spieth’s back on top of the world
JASON Day has vowed to come back even better next season after his reign at the top of world golf lasted just one week.
Having won four of six starts to get to world No.1 entering the season-ending Tour Championship, Day couldn’t maintain the rage and watched as young American rival Jordan Spieth usurped him on his way to a $US11.4 million ($A16.22 million) payday.
The 22-year-old Spieth left no room for argument about who was golfer of the year as he won by four shots at East Lake in Atlanta, his fifth win of the year, including the Masters and US Open, reclaiming the No.1 spot and also adding the season-long FedEx Cup to his trophy case. “It’s the greatest season I’ve ever had, obviously,” Spieth said.
“But it’s one where I believe we took our game on course and off course to a level that I didn’t think would be possible at different times in my life.”
Day finished tied for 10th, seven shots off the pace, and three shots off the result he needed to stay world No.1 heading into next season, which begins in three weeks.
“I was a little flat this week,” Day admitted. “It’s something that I’m still trying to learn, how to back up a win with another win, or at least the same level of play.
“It would have been nice to kind of challenge for that FedEx Cup win but overall it’s something that I just need to look back on and work harder for next year.”
With five wins in his own fabulous breakout year, and $US9,403,330 ($A13.38 million) earned on course, the Australian was happy, but also hungry to be better.
“It’s been a good year. To be able to win the PGA Championship, and then also to get to No.1, has been a lifelong dream of mine,” Day said.
“It was always a goal of mine, whether I got to No.1 for a week or whether I get there for 300 weeks. I was the best player in the world. I felt it for the most part of this summer.
“Now that it’s over, I’m looking forward to getting some rest, really trying to take care of my body in the off-season to come back as a new person and a lot more motivated, a lot more hungry, to stay on top of the world.”
Day will head the International team in the Presidents Cup battle with the US in South Korea in a fortnight’s time before he shuts down for the birth of his second child and another rigorous strength and conditioning phase.
He plans to return to competitive golf in December ready to resume the fight to be the best.
“I want to be more of a dominant player and I want to be at the top of the world ranking list for a long, long time,” he said. “I know how hard I had to work this year, so I have got to work extra hard next year.”
Fellow Queenslander Steven Bowditch finished in a tie for 12th to cap off the best year of his career at 20th on the points list.
After winning for the second time in Texas in May, the 32year-old is now hoping to be a regular in the biggest events.
“It has been a great year, a little bit more of a consistent year, and the building blocks for what I hope to do well in the future,” Bowditch said.
“Week in week out I was able to give myself a chance to play well and instead of pushing to make cuts I was pushing for good results.
“It’s great to know I have the majors on the schedule next year and I’m now looking forward to the Presidents Cup before starting the new season in California in a few weeks.”