Day ‘stressed’ ahead of US Open
Jason Day revealed that life at the top is tough, as he feels he is under major stress.
The world number one opened up about his predicament to the media at Oakmont following a practice round on Tuesday.
"I've never been more stressed in my life than right now," revealed the 28-year-old.
"It's just because being number one in the world, having a lot of expectations on you, having to practice so hard to keep that number one spot, trying to win as many tournaments as I can puts a lot of stress and pressure on your shoulders."
While one can perhaps understand that Day feels the pressure at the top of world golf, he has certainly not let it affect him on the course.
Since that first taste of the number one ranking in September 2015, the Australian has notched three wins and four top ten finishes in 12 starts. That is hardly a record of someone struggling with stress.
In fact, Day revealed that, for some reason, he thrives under that stress on the course. This will no doubt serve him well around the difficult setup that faces the players at Oakmont this week.
"This is one tournament that is very stressful and I feel like I thrive under stress," said Day of the US Open.
"It's good pressure to have. I'd much rather have that pressure than be at the end of the field and no one expecting you to win. That's the kind of pressure that you've got to enjoy and love.
"You have to come in to major championships and your attitude has to be on point. If you're going to have a bad attitude, you may as well not even tee it up that week because you probably won't play good anyways."
Day tees off alongside former Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday.
Latest
-
NewsSergio Garcia feeling rested and ready for Ryder Cup after wild card ‘gamble’
The Spaniard has won 25.5 points at the Ryder Cup.
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.