‘I came here when I was 18 and played Oakmont for the first time. Almost feels like home,’ said world number one Jason Day. ‘I’ve been very close to winning a US Open, especially the last few years. Had two second place finishes. This is one tournament that is very stressful and I feel like I thrive under stress, and hopefully I can do that this year.’
The 28-year-old is looking to win his maiden US Open at Oakmont Country Club this week.
‘I feel good about where I’m at right now with regards to my game. This is probably the hardest venue of the season. Mentally and physically trying to prepare the best I can,’ he said.
He entered the winners circle seven times in the last 12 months and overtook Jordan Spieth at the top of the world ranking. The concept of a ‘Big Three’ that includes Day, Spieth and Rory McIlroy could be laid to rest if the Australian wins this week.
Day was suffering from a cold in the buildup to this year’s second major and last year he struggled with vertigo at Chambers Bay. Health issues are a concern for the Queenslander, yet he remained positive.
You have to come in to major championships and your attitude has to be on point. You have to have a good attitude regardless of what situation is. This year, we got tough rough. The greens are tough. Practically the whole course is tough,’ he summarised.
‘Sooner or later, you’re going to miss fairways. It’s a matter of being able to control your emotion during that time, being able to get up and down and move on to the next hole,’ he added.
He leads the PGA Tour in sand saves, strokes gained: putting, and is third in one-putt percentage. His weakness seems to be his driving where he is only ranked 163rd on tour, which means from a viewing perspective it will be highly entertaining to see Day tackle the rough and the 210 bunkers on the course. Either way, it’s D-Day at Oakmont and the world’s best could separate himself from the pack.
