Jason Day is an Australian professional golfer who achieved early success on the PGA Tour, winning the HP Byron Nelson Championship in his third season. His breakout year came in 2015 when he won five tournaments, including the PGA Championship, and reached the top spot in the world rankings. Day continued his dominance in 2016 with three more victories, including The Players Championship. However, his performance declined in subsequent years, causing him to drop out of the top 100. In a remarkable comeback in 2023, Day won the AT&T Byron Nelson, the tournament where he earned his first victory, and returned to the top 20 in the world.
November 1987: Birth of Jason Day
Jason Anthony Day was born in November 1987, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of golf.
2000: Early Success at Australian Masters Junior Event
At the age of 13, Jason Day showcased his golfing potential by winning the 2000 Australian Masters junior event on the Gold Coast. His scores of 87, 78, 76, and 76 demonstrated his early talent and determination.
2004: Australian Boys' Amateur Championship Victory
Jason Day's amateur success continued in 2004 when he won the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Australian golf.
2005: Runner-Up Finish at the Porter Cup
In 2005, Jason Day demonstrated his golfing prowess on an international stage by finishing as the runner-up in the prestigious Porter Cup, showcasing his talent to a wider audience.
2005: Playoff Loss at Greater Building Society QLD PGA Championship
Jason Day's pursuit of victory at the 2005 Greater Building Society QLD PGA Championship ended in a close playoff loss to Scott Gardiner. Despite the setback, Day's performance highlighted his ability to compete at a professional level.
July 2006: Turning Professional
Jason Day's amateur career culminated in July 2006 when he decided to turn professional after winning the Green Jacket at the NEC Master of the Amateurs. He signed with TaylorMade and Adidas, marking the beginning of his professional golf journey.
July 2007: First Nationwide Tour Victory
July 2007 marked a significant milestone in Jason Day's career as he won his first Nationwide Tour event at the Legend Financial Group Classic. This victory made him the youngest player to win on any of the PGA Tour's three tours.
2007: Missed PGA Tour Card but Earned Nationwide Tour Status
Despite a strong start to his professional career, Jason Day fell short of earning his PGA Tour card in 2007. However, his performance secured him conditional status on the Nationwide Tour, providing him with valuable playing opportunities.
2008: PGA Tour Card and a Mediocre Season
Jason Day's performance on the Nationwide Tour earned him his PGA Tour card for the 2008 season. However, he experienced a relatively uneventful season, facing challenges in replicating his previous success.
2009: Securing Conditional Status
Jason Day faced a setback in 2009 as he struggled to maintain his full PGA Tour playing privileges. However, his efforts were rewarded with conditional status, allowing him to continue competing at the highest level.
2009: Marriage to Ellie Harvey
Jason Day married Ellie Harvey in 2009, marking a significant personal milestone. The couple resides in Westerville, Ohio, and have built a family life together.
May 2010: Historic Win at the HP Byron Nelson Championship
May 2010 marked a historic moment in Australian golf when Jason Day became the youngest Australian to win a PGA Tour event by securing victory at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. This win solidified his status as a rising star.
August 2010: First Top-10 Finish in a Major
Jason Day achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his first top-10 finish in a major championship at the 2010 PGA Championship. His impressive performance, including a remarkable 66 on Saturday, showcased his ability to excel on the biggest stage.
2010: Retaining PGA Tour Card
In 2010, Jason Day successfully retained his PGA Tour card, securing his position among the world's best golfers. His consistent performance demonstrated his resilience and determination to succeed.
June 2011: Another Second-Place Finish at the U.S. Open
Jason Day's impressive form in major championships continued at the 2011 U.S. Open, where he secured a second-place finish. His strong performance, including shooting the lowest round of the week with a 65 on Saturday, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
2011: Second-Place Finish at the Masters Tournament
Jason Day came agonizingly close to winning the 2011 Masters Tournament, finishing in a tie for second place with Adam Scott. Despite a strong performance, including birdies on the last two holes, he fell just short of Charl Schwartzel, who secured victory.
2011: Breaking into the Top 10
Jason Day's consistent performances in major championships propelled him into the Official World Golf Ranking top 10 for the first time in his career, reaching the ninth position.
November 2013: Family Tragedy During Typhoon Haiyan
In a heartbreaking event, Jason Day experienced a devastating personal loss in November 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines. The natural disaster claimed the lives of eight of his relatives, including his grandmother, highlighting the impact of such events on a global scale.
2013: Third-Place Finish at the Masters Tournament
Jason Day delivered a strong performance at the 2013 Masters Tournament, ultimately finishing in third place. His consistent play throughout the tournament demonstrated his ability to contend in major championships.
2013: Tied for Second at the U.S. Open
Jason Day once again came close to winning a major championship, finishing tied for second place with Phil Mickelson at the 2013 U.S. Open. Despite a strong performance, he finished two strokes behind Justin Rose.
February 2014: WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship Victory
Jason Day claimed a significant victory in February 2014 by winning the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. His victory in this prestigious event demonstrated his match play skills and further elevated his status in the golfing world.
February 2015: Farmers Insurance Open Win
In February 2015, Jason Day won his third PGA Tour event and seventh title as a professional at the Farmers Insurance Open. He defeated Harris English, J.B. Holmes, and Scott Stallings in a four-way playoff, securing his victory on the second playoff hole with a par. This win elevated him to fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking.
September 2015: Achieving World Number 1 Ranking
In September 2015, Jason Day achieved the pinnacle of his career by reaching the world number one ranking for the first time. This achievement came after a string of impressive wins, solidifying his place among the best golfers in the world.
December 2015: Ellie Day Injured During NBA Game
In a frightening incident in December 2015, Ellie Day, Jason's wife, sustained injuries during an NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. LeBron James accidentally collided with her while attempting to retrieve a loose ball, resulting in her requiring medical attention and leaving the arena on a stretcher.
2015: Results Not in Chronological Order
Results from before 2015 are not presented in chronological order.
2015: Overcoming Vertigo at the U.S. Open
During the second round of the 2015 U.S. Open, Jason Day experienced a vertigo episode, collapsing on the ninth hole. Despite the health scare, he persevered and finished the third round tied for the lead, ultimately concluding the tournament tied for ninth.
2015: RBC Canadian Open Victory
Jason Day secured his second tour victory of 2015 at the RBC Canadian Open, showcasing his resilience by making birdies on the final three holes of the final round. This win solidified his position as a top contender in the world of golf.
2015: Jason Day's Breakout Year
In 2015, Jason Day had a breakout year, securing victories in five tournaments, including a major championship win at the PGA Championship. This success propelled him to the coveted No. 1 spot in the world golf rankings.
2015: Historic Win at the PGA Championship
In 2015, Jason Day achieved a remarkable feat at the PGA Championship, winning with a score of 20-under-par, setting a new record for the lowest score in a major championship. This victory, his first major title, cemented his status as a dominant force in golf.
2015: Near Miss at The Open Championship
At the 2015 Open Championship in St Andrews, Jason Day came close to victory, finishing one stroke outside the three-way playoff. Despite a bogey-free final round of 70, he missed a birdie putt on the 72nd hole that would have secured his place in the playoff. This marked his sixth top-five finish in a major without a win.
July 2016: Reaching $33 Million in Career Earnings
By July 2016, Jason Day's success on the PGA Tour had earned him over $33 million in prize money, a testament to his consistent performance and standing as a top-ranked golfer.
2016: Withdrawal from the 2016 Olympics
In 2016, Jason Day made the difficult decision to withdraw from participating in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He cited concerns about the Zika virus as the primary reason for his withdrawal, prioritizing his health and well-being.
2016: Sustained Excellence and The Players Championship Victory
Jason Day continued his impressive performance in 2016, winning three tournaments, including The Players Championship. This consistent excellence allowed him to maintain his No. 1 ranking in the world.
2016: Dominating Victory at The Players Championship
Jason Day's exceptional form continued in 2016 with a commanding four-stroke victory at The Players Championship, his 10th PGA Tour win. This performance drew praise from peers like Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott, with the latter comparing his run to Tiger Woods' dominance.
January 2017: Signing with Nike Golf
Jason Day signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Nike Golf in January 2017, reportedly worth $10 million annually. This partnership led to him wearing Nike apparel, shoes, and gloves, further increasing his visibility and brand association in the world of golf.
September 2017: Parting Ways with Caddie Colin Swatton
In a significant shift, Jason Day decided to part ways with his long-time caddie, Colin Swatton, in September 2017, after eleven years together. Despite the professional separation, Swatton remained part of Day's team as his swing coach.
May 2019: Exploring Balloon Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
Jason Day openly discussed his ongoing struggle with chronic back pain in May 2019, revealing his use of balloon therapy to alleviate the issue. The therapy, involving specific breathing exercises, aimed to realign his rib cage and alleviate pressure on his back, highlighting his commitment to managing his physical condition for optimal performance.
June 2019: Working with Steve Williams
Following the 2019 U.S. Open, Jason Day began working with Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' former caddie. Their partnership focused on disciplined practice routines, with Williams emphasizing range time and honing specific golf skills. This collaboration showcased Day's willingness to adapt and seek guidance from experienced figures in the sport.
August 2019: Parting Ways with Caddie Steve Williams
After a brief partnership, Jason Day and caddie Steve Williams decided to part ways in August 2019. The split stemmed from a difference in approaches, described as a 'disconnect between old school and new school'. This decision highlighted the importance of compatibility and shared vision between a player and their caddie in professional golf.
October 2019: Winning The Challenge: Japan Skins
Jason Day emerged victorious at The Challenge: Japan Skins in October 2019, besting renowned golfers Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Hideki Matsuyama. This victory demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure against some of the sport's biggest names.
2020: Results Not in Chronological Order
Results from 2020 are not presented in chronological order.
2022: Championship and Invitational Discontinued
The Championship and Invitational tournaments were discontinued in 2022.
May 2023: AT&T Byron Nelson Victory and "Runner-Up Grand Slam"
May 2023 marked a significant moment for Jason Day as he clinched his first victory in five years at the AT&T Byron Nelson. Adding to this achievement, he finished as runner-up at the 2023 Open Championship, completing the unique feat of finishing second in all four major championships, often referred to as the "runner-up grand slam."
2023: Resurgence and Return to the Top 20
After a period of inconsistency, Jason Day experienced a resurgence in 2023, winning the AT&T Byron Nelson, the same tournament where he secured his first victory. This win marked his return to the top 20 in the world golf rankings.
2023: Champions Tournament Discontinued
The Champions tournament was discontinued in 2023.