Jason Day’s golf career has been a rollercoaster ride, with injuries often taking a front seat. Day has gone through major vertigo issues and chronic back problems that have been his constant companion since his early days on the PGA Tour. But, despite the setbacks, Day’s determination to succeed has never wavered. As he gears up for the Australian PGA Championship for the first time since 2017, we take a closer look at his inspiring story of passion and perseverance.

2015 US Open: Jason’s struggle with vertigo

Jason Day, one of the world’s top golfers, collapsed on the ninth fairway of the Chambers Bay Golf Course during the 2015 US Open. The Australian was struggling with vertigo, a condition that causes dizziness and nausea. Regardless of his struggles, Day showed incredible determination and resilience to finish the round.

Day’s condition was so severe that he felt nauseous throughout the day and had to rely on his caddy, Colin Swatton, to help him stay upright. However, Day managed to card a two-under-par round of 68. His performance was all the more impressive given his condition, and he received a standing ovation from the crowd as he walked to the 18th green.

Like a proud guide, Day’s caddy and swing coach, Colin Swatton, praised his player’s performance, saying that he had the “heart of a lion.” As Jason Day battled through the 2015 US Open with vertigo, it was clear that his body was under immense stress. But little did the world know that this was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey with injury.

2016: Day’s battle with chronic back issues

Day’s longstanding chronic back issues soon became a major concern in 2016. It extended to an end that the 13-time PGA winner’s career was at risk. His back problems had been raging for years, but it wasn’t until 2016 that they boiled over into a major issue. A tweaked back at the World Golf Championship-Dell Match Play had many observers wondering if Day’s career was about to take a drastic turn.

But in typical Jason Day fashion, he refused to give up and pushed through the pain. Despite his best efforts to manage his chronic back issues, the problem continued to trouble Day for years to come. In fact, it was a back injury that forced him to make a difficult decision at the 2019 Presidents Cup, one that would keep him from representing his country on the biggest stage.

2019: Day injury made him withdraw from the Presidents Cup

What happens when a golf superstar’s body betrays him? Ask Jason Day. Day was forced to withdraw from the 2019 Presidents Cup due to a back injury. The Australian golfer had been selected as one of Ernie Els’ four captain’s picks for the international team, and his experience and familiarity with the host course, Royal Melbourne, made him a valuable asset to the team.

However, after practicing in Palm Springs in preparation for the tournament, Day hurt his back, and his medical team advised him to shut down all practice and play. “Frustratingly, I’ve been through back problems before and my medical team decided it best to shut down all practice and play,” Day said in a statement. His withdrawal was a blow to the International team, but did he heal? Yes!

2022: Jason Day overcame his chronic back injuries

After years of battling chronic back injuries and withdrawal from the 2019 Presidents Cup, Jason Day finally turned a corner in 2022. After years of struggling and career obstacles, he is now pain-free. “I feel like I’ve never had an injury, which is weird,” Day said in a recent interview. Following that, the multiple PGA Tour winner worked tirelessly to refine his swing and reduce the stress on his spine.

With fair enough promising results, Day expressed he was now focused on putting himself in a position to win tournaments. “That’s the ultimate goal,” he said, adding, “For me, it’s taken a while and I need to just stay patient with myself and just stay positive as much as possible because sooner or later it’s going to happen.”

2023: Just when Day thought he was great, Vertigo pulled him back in

Just as Jason Day seemed to have finally overcome his chronic back injuries and was enjoying a comeback on the greens, his vertigo came to haunt him yet again. After a strong start to the 2023 season, including five top-10 finishes in eight starts, Day said his vertigo “really kicked his butt at Augusta.” He continued, “That was like kind of the time where I had to take a step back.” He affirmed making changes to his diet and approach to the game but “just needed to take some time off, that was pretty much plain and simple.”

Day’s victory at the 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson

After five years of seasons without a PGA Tour title, Jason Day’s victory at the 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson was a sweet relief. Just a few months after battling vertigo again, Day expressed how “It’s been a long time coming.” His victory was all the more special given the injuries and loss of his mother in 2022. Playing on Mother’s Day, just over a year after losing his mom to cancer, Day finished 23 under to end his victory drought. “I’m just glad I could get it done,” Day said, choking back emotions. It was this win that marked his 13th PGA Tour title and his first since the 2018 Wells Fargo Championship.

Jason Day’s five-year wait is over now as he returns to play on home soil

After a five-year absence, Jason Day has finally returned to Australia to compete in the Australian PGA Championship. The 37-year-old has carded a total of 67 in the first round, and we are hoping to see him go stronger. His return is a welcome sight for Australian golf fans, who have missed seeing him compete on home soil. Now, everyone’s wondering if the 31st OWGR ranker, who had been at 1st once, will be able to gain back his position.

The world has seen Jason Day win several times, but as Lucas Herbert said, it’s more about the honor and prestige of winning a tournament on his home tour than the prize money. With Day back in the mix and Herbert riding high on his recent win, the Australian PGA Championship is shaping up to be an exciting tournament. Will Day’s return to Australia mark a turning point in his career? Can Herbert build on his momentum and make a statement on the international stage? The answers will have to wait until the tournament gets underway.

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