Australian Jason Day is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in golf today. The 26-year-old currently occupies sixth place in the world rankings and thus far this season has played some solid golf. So can Day win a Major this year?
In short, the answer is yes. Although not heavily favoured people are tipping Day to be in with a chance of winning the next Major, the US Open.
In regards to form, Day has been one of the better players in 2014, his win in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship was a clear indicator that he can handle himself with the big players. He is not perturbed when it comes to going up against the so-called “big boys” which is a vital characteristic if you are going to win a Major. You need to stand up to the Tiger Woods and Adam Scott’s on the tour; you cannot play with them and be awestruck, luckily Day does not. He relishes going toe-to-toe with these big time players and he does have the golfing ability to unsettle and beat them, so why could he not do that at a Major?
Ask any golfer and they will tell you that winning a Major competition is as much a test of mental ability as well as natural golfing skill. Nobody can question Day’s mentality. Back in November, he tragically lost eight members of his family in the typhoon that ravaged the Philippines. Instead of pulling out of the World Cup of Golf, which he was more than entitled to do, he went out and won it by two-strokes, helping Australia win the World Cup of Golf just one week after learning of his family’s tragic fate. Now if that isn’t mental strength then what is? Day, in the face of adversity and personal grief, held his own and dominated the field in what was a truly phenomenal display.
People may say he missed his chance at the Masters but Day wasn’t fully fit. He was, and still is, struggling with a thumb injury. A fully fit Day will look somewhat like the Day that won the Match Play, and that Day is Major winning material.
Bookmakers such as Betfair are starting to take note of Day’s golfing pedigree as his odds continue to shorten. With Woods out with a back injury and Scott about to lose his preferred putter, Day has never had a better chance of winning a Major and in reality he probably will this season.