It is confirmed that the prodigal son is returning. Yes, Jason Day is finally going back to his home country, Australia, to play a competitive tournament for the first time since 2017. The prize purse will be around $1.34 million. The last time he played in the land down under was at the 2017 Australian Open, where he managed to finish 5th.

He will be playing in the BMW Australian PGA Championship in November, according to the PGA of Australia and reporters. Reporter Evin Priest said, “JUST IN: Jason Day is coming home to play the Australian PGA Championship in November. Unlikely he’ll remain for the Open in Melbourne. Day’s first trip to Australia since 2017 sure to draw big crowds at Royal Queensland”.

He is unlikely to play in the Australian Open as he will be participating in the Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas. This event will provide him with OWGR points. This is a major sticking point for Australians, as the Australian Open also provides OWGR points, but not as many as the Hero World Challenge.

Jason Day, a Queensland native, said, “I’m extremely excited to be coming back home to Queensland this summer to contest the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland.” Australians, though, are not as excited to see him. Fans have been critical of him for years. His representation of Australia in the Olympics was labeled as a disgrace by some people. Although he scored well, fans also wanted to see Cameron Smith representing the land down under instead. Fans are also saying that it is the $1.34 million prize that is attracting him rather than the chance to play in his home country. Aussie golf fans are still unlikely to welcome him home with open arms.

Jason Day and the alienated Australian fans

Jason Day has mostly plied his trade in America and Europe, playing for the PGA Tour. With 13 Tour wins and a low ranking of 33 in the OWGR, he has done well for himself. In doing so, he has had to stay away from Australia. One commenter expected more from the former World No. 1, saying, “J Day – will play the Aust PGA but skip the Australian Open the next week because – checks notes – he’s playing the Tiger exhibition in the Bahamas (for OWGR points) But don’t doubt how patriotic he is.”

Other Aussies made it clear that they would not support Jason Day at the PGA Championship and will be going to watch the other great Australian golfers such as Adam Scott and Cameron Smith. With Day’s fellow Olympian Min Woo Lee also appearing in Queensland, fans are in for a treat. One commenter expressed his indifference toward Day, saying, “Meh… Jason’s there… great. I’ll go to support Adam, Cam Smith, Cam Davis, Min Woo and the other top Aussies who support our events far more regularly than Day does…”. Another commenter wrote, “Ho Hum yea OK what ever….”

However, there are many positives for Australian golf fans in seeing Jason Day back home. He is famed for his great short game and putting. Plus, seeing him compete against other great golfers and bring audiences to the PGA Championship will be great for Australian golf. Several commenters recognized this. One wrote, “Brilliant news for everyone that one of our stars will be on show at RQ!! Great stuff @jasondayofficial, can’t wait to see you tee it up at RQ.”