Jason Day hits out of a bunker on during the par three competition at the Masters on Wednesday.

Jason Day hits out of a bunker on during the par three competition at the Masters on Wednesday.

Relaxed and fun Day ready for Masters

  • By Doug Roberson The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • Wednesday, April 6, 2016 8:08pm
  • SportsSports

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jason Day sat on a bus, ready to give up golf.

He no longer enjoyed the sport. He no longer wanted to practice.

Surrounded by his wife, his agent and a sports psychologist, they talked about him just trying to have fun in his first Masters at Augusta National.

Cut loose from stress and with no expectations, Day finished tied for second.

Just like that, he said golf became fun again.

It’s been fun since. He won the PGA Championship last year with a majors record 20-under par for his first major and enters his sixth Masters Thursday as the No. 1 ranked player in the world and among the favorites to win a green jacket with two wins already this season at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play.

“Going through that tough time, understanding now, my whole team is very, very close, and I understand I don’t pay my guys to give me yes answers,” Day said. “I pay them to tell me what’s going on really in my life. And at that time, it was a tough time, but I’m glad I got through it and sitting here today No. 1 in the world. “

To improve his chances this week, Day is going to adopt a similar approach to the one that led him to success in 2011. He’s going to try to not think so much as he plays the beautiful uneven terrain of Augusta.

He followed his second-place finish with a missed cut in 2012, a third-place in 2013 and t-20th and t-28th in 2014 and 2015.

He theorized on Tuesday that he tried too hard in some of those tournaments, overthinking putts and shots instead of trusting his preparation and routine.

Day thinks he began to force things because of the success he was experiencing. The variations on questions about winning — when, where and how — took his focus off what he was trying to focus on: staying in the moment, trusting himself and having fun.

“Don’t do anything more; don’t do anything less, and from there, just try and go out and execute,” he said.

Day expects a tough Masters field and wants the best playing against the best in Sunday’s final round, with the roars ricocheting around the pines as players slug it out on the back nine.

“I enjoy and thrive off that competitiveness,” he said. “I would enjoy a Spieth-McIlroy-Fowler-Scott-Watson-Mickelson Sunday. That would be a lot of fun.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.