Jason Day almost missed out on qualification for the 2023 Masters before getting back in the game and improving his performance to jump within the top 50 in the world rankings. It earned him an invitation to join the star-studded field at Augusta.
He was outside the top 50 in OWGR in December but in the last three months, Day's performances helped him secure the 35th spot in the world rankings.
The Australian is happy to be back on the course and play in the tournament that he watched from home.
Jason Day, who has struggled with his ailing back, has made progressive improvements in the last few months. His focus is now on improving his game and getting back to the top position in the world rankings.
Ahead of the Masters, Jason Day spoke about the tournament. He said:
“It was disappointing to not be able to play last year’s event. Mentally, I was more disappointed in myself not being able to compete here and play in the major, especially, because my World Ranking ballooned out so far.
"It hurt my confidence a lot, not being able to play in the majors. So, I have been trying to work my way back in the top 50 and back up the world rankings, as well, but to be able to play these events."
Day also went on to talk about the time when he was the No.1 golfer in the world. He said:
“The first time that I got to No. 1 in the world, I didn’t know how I got there. I know how I got there, but it was just through sheer great putting, hit it OK, but I just putted off the charts, and the mentality wasn’t sustainable.
"This time around, I’m enjoying the journey and I’m learning each and every day, and I’ve actually got a lot of love and passion for it.’’
"It’s more about the journey" - Jason Day talks about his journey to the Masters
Jason Day suffered a severe back injury in 2019 and had to withdraw from the Presidents Cup due to it.
At one point, he was thinking about quitting his career. He has gone through a lot of ups and downs in the last few years and is finally getting his life back on track.
Jason Day is looking forward to a win at the upcoming Masters. Speaking about his journey so far, he said:
“It’s been an interesting journey over the last two to three years. I’ll probably think the same way going all the way through to the end of my career. It’s more about the journey and enjoying that process, and then the wins hopefully get in the way.”
Jason Day qualified for the Masters after his incredible performance at the Dell Technologies Match Play. Although Scottie Scheffler defeated him in the quarterfinals, the points he earned were enough for him to qualify for the Masters.