The PGA of Australia recently conducted an award ceremony honoring the most successful and influential pros in the Australian Tour. One of the event’s sessions was blocked for conversation between some of the Australian circuit’s legends including 1X major winner Ian Baker-Finch, 2015 PGA Championship winner Jason Day, LIV Golf pro Min Woo Lee, and 2022 British Open winner Cameron Smith.

The panel of guests discussed various aspects of the PGA Tour Australia which intrigued the audience. But that was not the most interesting aspect of the session. It was the fact that PGA Tour pro; Jason Day and LIV Golf star Cameron Smith took the stage together. This is a bit surprising because one of them did not get an offer from LIV, and the other is turning quite a few heads on there.

A few days ago, Jason Day discussed with Code Sports Australia how he never got an offer from LIV. The LIV Golf officials were cited as saying that the reason behind that is the frequency of Day’s injuries. Speaking to the Australian media outlet, Day said, “I said [to my agent], ‘No worries, I’m happy with where I’m at, but it’s always nice to know.’” Day clearly seemed disheartened to learn that despite his success, his injuries have been the highlight of the conversation at LIV Golf headquarters. Day further added, “And [LIV] said, ‘We love Jason, but he’s too injured; he just gets too many injuries.’ I don’t blame them.”

The way Jason Day was treated may surprise many fans considering their drastically different approach towards Cameron Smith. Greg Norman’s favorite star, Cameron Smith was welcomed with open arms into the Saudi-based establishment. Norman talked about Smith’s journey transitioning from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf during an interview with news.co.au.

He said, “We had a couple of conversations. And then when the time came, he was ready. He found the way down that path of the journey he wanted to do.” Excited about the arrival of the Australian pro, Norman further added, “When he came on board. It was like ‘oh my gosh’, the best thing that happened to us, to be honest with you.” Cameron Smith received a contract worth $140 million and walked into LIV Golf on a red carpet.

LIV has been trying to promote golf in Australia and has been successful. The Adelaide event’s exponential growth in two years proves that Aussie fans love golf. The PGA Tour does not hold any events in Australia, but Australian pros play in the events organized by the country’s Tour.

Considering the success both the players have had throughout their careers, was LIV Golf’s reason to not approach Jason Day valid? Well, we can only know that once we take a closer look at his injuries.

Jason Day’s history of injuries

Jason Day has faced multiple injuries throughout his career. Everyone raised concerns about his health ever since he collapsed on the course during the 2015 U.S. Open. He has always had trouble with vertigo and back pains. He also has to put in a lot of effort to ensure that he can maintain optimum health during events.

He once revealed that he does a “cold plunge, sauna” every morning. He also does “a good two to three hours of bodywork a day” with his trainer to ensure he remains fit to play regularly. Add an average of 3-4 hours of golf practice to that and it’s understandable why Jason Day isn’t a big money prospect for LIV Golf.

But these setbacks do not demotivate Day from committing to 4 days of golf week after week. He is a part of the entry list alongside Cameron Smith in this weekend’s Australian PGA Championship. Do you think Jason Day will be able to overcome the odds and win the title this Sunday? Share your views in the comments section.