Aussie star golfer taking it one Day at a time
JASON Day was ready to give himself “a pat on the back” but knows a first-round lead is one step on a long journey back from the golfing wilderness.
The former world No.1 and major champion was in the zone in the opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship in Maryland as he stormed to an opening round seven-under 63 and a one-shot lead over Joel Dahmen.
Day, now ranked 127, showed glimpses of a return to his best when he finished tied for third at Torrey Pines in January, an effort that propelled him back inside the top 100.
But it proved a fleeting glimpse, and the 34-year-old, who lost his mother earlier this year, has missed the cut at his past three events.
Winless since 2018, Day said he felt like he could “climb the mountain” again but had to rebuild the confidence in his game, and his body, after injuries and swing issues brought him back to the pack.
“I am encouraged. I think it’s a good step in the right direction. Obviously, I’ve got to give myself a pat on the back because I played some nice golf today,” Day said in Maryland.
“Obviously, I don’t want to get ahead of myself because I know that it’s easy in the position I am right now after a good round to get ahead of myself and start talking where it could potentially go.
“But I think I’ve just got to stay as present as possible.
“I feel like I can get back to where I need to be, but that’s a total decision up top in my head if I want to climb that mountain again.
“I feel good about myself.” Day has won four times in the nine tournaments he has taken the first-round lead.
This is the first time he’s been in front after the opening round since 2020.