Jason Day certainly isn’t shying away from the prospect of a duel against Jordan Spieth at the 2017 Emirates Australian Open. In fact, the former World No.1 says he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Day is about to make his first competitive appearance on Australian soil in four years, and he has a clear desire to add the Stonehaven Cup to his trophy cabinet.
“I would love to play with Spieth on Sunday in the last group,” Day said. “That would be the greatest thing.”
While most players might claim to understand what it takes to defeat the Champion Golfer of the Year, Day is one of the only players on the planet who has actually done so.
The 30-year-old is aware of the strength that lies between Spieth’s ears, and is consistently full of praise for his competitor.
“His mental game is just off the charts, I’ve said it over the last five years, he’s probably the most dominant player outside of Dustin Johnson.
“He doesn’t have the natural abilities as far as DJ’s length, but he has probably the best mental toughness out of everybody on Tour.”
Should the showdown between the pair eventuate this week – a mouthwatering scenario every spectator will be hoping for – it will do well to match their battle during the 2015 US PGA Championship at Whistling Straights, where Day broke into the major winner’s circle.
“It’s not that I overwhelmed him or anything, I just didn’t make a mistake,” Day said. “I knew that if I let open a little bit, he would close it pretty quick … so my goal was to keep pushing and not let him in.
“The biggest thing with Jordan is that he is a competitor.”
Day looked in good shape at The Australian Golf Club today as he competed in (and won) the Pro-Am alongside Lleyton Hewitt, Ed Jenkins and Andy Lee – something that will surely boost his confidence ahead of tomorrow’s opening round.
“The last time I was here I think I was 16 years old and playing the Australian Open,” Day said. “A little bit has changed since then … I’m looking forward to playing, it’s been a while since I’ve been back in Oz.”
Day lead a My Golf clinic yesterday and said he is excited about the talent that will be on show for years to come.
His relationship with junior and amateur golf programs extends beyond that, however, and has a humorous back-story that includes Australian amateur, Min Woo Lee.
The younger brother of Minjee outdrove Day in a long-drive contest during the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley earlier this year.
“I saw Jason at Sage Valley, but I haven’t really spoken to him since, I think he’s a bit scared of me,” Lee joked.
The West Australian says he is excited by the attention he is receiving as one of Australia’s brightest rising stars, and is looking forward to once again crossing paths with Day.
“I haven’t really got to talk to him, so it will be good to meet up with him,” Lee said. “I love the attention and I don’t think it’s affecting my golf … There’s a lot of fans out there already getting my autograph but I love it.”
Jason Day will begin his hunt for the Stonehaven Cup tomorrow morning at 7:05am at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.
Related Articles
Scott in Oakmont hunt with ‘old-man’ golf
Scott pick of Aussies after Round One at Oakmont
