Australian golfer
Jason Day has finally earned his first major win, beating the record previously held by his idol, Tiger Woods with a 20-under-par total at the PGA Championship.
It has been a long time coming for the 27-year-old who has consistently placed in the top-10 at majors but never been able to seal the deal. All that changed on Sunday at Whistling Straits, as Day was able to hold off stiff competition from the likes of Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose.
Going into the final day with a 2-stroke lead, Day faltered a bit mid-round allowing his lead to dwindle to 1-shot. But it was obvious he was a man on mission and determined not to lose this amazing opportunity.
The Queenslander was unable to hold back the emotions as he sank his final putt of the day. Embracing his caddie while wiping away tears. It has been a long, hard road for Day who unlike many of his contemporaries didn’t come from wealth or privilege.
His golfing career was a struggle and something his family worked hard to help him achieve. A reality Day has thought of many times during recent near misses.
“I didn’t expect I was going to cry,” said the TaylorMade player. “A lot of emotion has come out just because I’ve been close so many times and fallen short.”
Adding, “Overall I’m just really pleased with how I played. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Day might have beaten favourite, Jordan Spieth, but the American who came in second still had quite a lot to smile about. With his runner-up finish, Spieth has reached another milestone in his short career – surpassing Rory McIlroy as the number 1 ranked player in the world. A result the 22-year-old is more than happy with.
“It’s as good a consolation prize as I’ve ever had,” Spieth said. “It was not easy to dethrone Rory and it’s going to be even harder to try and stay on top.”
Check out Day’s winner bag at GolfOnline today!
Driver:
TaylorMade R15 TP Driver
Irons:
TaylorMade RSi TP Irons
Fairway Wood:
TaylorMade Aeroburner TP Fairway
Wedge:
TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF Wedge
Glove:
TaylorMade Tour Preferred Gloves
Balls:
TaylorMade Tour Preferred X Golf Balls
