Jason Day Poised for Major Success in 2024
Jason Day has overcome a series of injury issues and enjoyed a return to form in 2023. A winner of the PGA Championship in 2015, Day looks to challenge for more major titles in 2024 at venues where he has previously enjoyed success. Garrett Johnston caught up with Day in the weeks leading into the US Masters.
Major Venues in 2024
Garrett Johnston: Jason, how do you feel about your familiarity with major venues where you’ve played well for 2024?
Jason Day: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I know I’ve had a lot of success at some of these courses. At Pinehurst in 2014 I finished fourth when Martin (Kaymer) won. I was in the final group with Rory McIlroy on Saturday at Valhalla at the 2014 PGA Championship. I’ve played Troon before and really enjoyed that test, so I’m looking forward to getting back to some of the courses that some of the younger guys haven’t played yet. It will be an advantage for me for sure.
Upcoming Challenges
Garrett Johnston: What do you make of Pinehurst for the U.S. Open this year? A place you played really well at in 2014.
Jason Day: Yeah obviously there’s a dramatic difference between those two courses that we’re talking about, Valhalla and Pinehurst. Different types of grass and much different design of the golf course with those turtle-back greens. I think you’d have to have a great short game anywhere but around Pinehurst there’s different styles of play that will be shown that week and you’ll have to bring out a little more creativity around those greens. I’d imagine at Pinehurst that you’d need different types of clubs in and around the greens.
Return to World Number 1
Garrett Johnston: What is the challenge like of getting back to world number 1 for you this time?
Jason Day: For one I think I have a better understanding of my body and my golf swing. I think I have a better understanding of what causes pain and I’m trying to make sure I don’t get into that rut again. I think the biggest thing is once I get past those things, is how hungry do I want to be to be number one.
Improved Game
Garrett Johnston: Speaking of building layer upon layer, where have you seen the most improvement in your game of late?
Jason Day: I would just say my body. I’ve gotten to the point where I can play 72-holes of golf without any pain, which is good. I’ve got my little times here and there where I catch myself falling back into an old pattern, but for the most part I’m very, very happy that I’ve stayed very disciplined on what I do with my body.
Apparel Sponsorship
Garrett Johnston: Tell us about Malbon, your new apparel sponsor?
Jason Day: It’s been great for me. Working with Steven, Ryan, Luke, Erica and all of them. It’s been tremendous being a part of their team. They’re very new to the golfing world, and I’m excited to be wearing something unique on the course.
Future Plans
Garrett Johnston: Australia. When do you think you’d go back and visit? Have your kids been yet?
Jason Day: Yeah, there’s something always in the cards. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. It would be nice to get the whole family over there, for sure. They’ve never gone. It would be nice to be able to get the crew out there, even if it’s just Dash, because I know he wants to travel, see the world and see Australia.
