No one was happier than Jason Day to have a week off from the grind of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Day, who is the man to beat for the huge $10 million bonus money that goes to the winner, admits he was “running on fumes” at the Deutsche Bank two weeks ago. Despite the fatigue, he still managed to shoot six-under and tie for 12th. Three of his four rounds were in the 60s.
“It was a good break for us,” Day said after a practice round at Conway Farms, site of Thursday’s start of the BMW Championship, the last stop before the Tour Championship.
When you look at the standings, Day sits in the top spot for good reason. He’s been on a roll since winning the PGA Championship in August. He’s basically been in “unleash the beast” mode, crushing drives, hitting laser-accurate irons shots and showing a deft short game.
Day also understands the opportunity in front of him.
“I know that I just have to suck it up for the next two weeks and just go out and play as hard as I can,” Day said.
When his game is in full-bore, Day is in a class by himself. His drives can go past the 350-yard mark, he can reduce a 7,200-yard golf course to a pitch-and-putt. He can make more than his share of birdie putts and par fives become long par fours.
His closest rivals going into these final two events are Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler. Spieth hasn’t played worth a lick the past two events, missing the cut in both and his mental resolve has come into question. Fowler, on the other hand, scored a huge victory in Boston and could be the player who presses Day.
The crowds in Chicago will have a huge treat the first two rounds of the BMW. Day, Spieth and Fowler will be paired.
And that’s a group worth watching.
