The World No.3 was six holes into his opening match of the WGC–Dell Technologies Match Play against Pat Perez when he notified officials he couldn’t continue and broke down in tears. He was comforted by coach and caddie Col Swatton as he walked off the course.

He then spoke to the media about wanting to get home as soon as possible to be with his mother who will undergo major surgery on Friday.

Dening was diagnosed earlier this year in Australia after doctors found a three to four centimetre mass in her lung. She was given 12 months to live, but Day flew her to the United States where she has been undergoing further tests for the past two weeks.

“My mum has been here for a while … she has lung cancer,” an emotional Day said.

JASON DAY TALKS ABOUT HIS WITHDRAWAL TO BE WITH HIS MUM

“The diagnosis is much better being over here. She's going in for surgery this Friday and it's really hard to even comprehend being on the golf course right now because of what she's gone through.

“She had a test done in Australia, and the doc said she was terminal and only had 12 months to live. I'm glad I brought her over here. And it's been really hard to play golf lately and this year.”

Cancer also claimed the life of his father, Alvyn, when he was 12-years-old. Day said it was hard to see his mum going through the same fight.

“It's been very, 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, as well,” he continued.

"So as of now, I'm going to try to be back there with my mum for surgery and make sure everything goes right with her.

“It has been a very hard time for me to even think about playing golf. Emotionally it's been wearing on me for a while. And I know my mum says not to let it get to me, but it really has.

“I just need some time away with her to make sure that everything goes well because this has been very, very tough for me. 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.

“Family is first and it's just … it’s just a hard time.

“I'm hoping for a speedy recovery for her, and we can get this behind us and she can live a long, long life.”

It is understood Day has told the PGA Tour he will be taking an indefinite break from the game to be with his mother.