Jason Day Returns to John Deere Classic, Reminisces on Humble Beginnings
Jason Day, with 13 career PGA Tour wins and over $60 million in earnings, can now afford to stay in any luxury accommodation he desires. However, when he’s on the road with his family, they prefer the comfort of their motorhome. This week, at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run, Day reflected on…
Jason Day, with 13 career PGA Tour wins and over $60 million in earnings, can now afford to stay in any luxury accommodation he desires. However, when he’s on the road with his family, they prefer the comfort of their motorhome. This week, at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run, Day reflected on his journey from his humble beginnings.
Back in 2006, Day, then an 18-year-old professional, made his first start at the John Deere Classic. Newly married to his wife Ellie, whom he has now been with for 18 years, he had a rather modest experience compared to his current standards.
During an interview, Day shared a laugh with Doug Milne, a longtime PGA Tour media official who was also at the event in 2006. Milne recounted, “I had the dog come into my room on my bed. I literally woke up with a dog on my bed.” Day added with a chuckle, “Then my caddie at the time, Colin Swatton, you walk into his room, and it had a heart-shaped bathtub right next to the bed. It was like high-rent stuff back then.” He reminisced about how his room’s curtain broke off, making it impossible to block out the morning light.
This week, Day is staying in his RV with Ellie and their five children, including their youngest, daughter Winnie, born last September. Milne joked about finding room in the RV, to which Day replied, “I do, but you’re going to be sleeping next to my kids.”
From that humble week in Silvis, Illinois, it took Day four years to secure his first victory at the 2010 Byron Nelson. His best year came in 2015, when he claimed five titles, including the PGA Championship. Despite injuries that led to a five-year winless streak, Day ended his drought with a victory at last year’s AT&T Byron Nelson. Ranked No. 36 in the world, he’s now set to play in his first Olympics, having missed the 2016 Rio Games.
“Looking back on it, I probably should have gone to Rio and played,” Day admitted. “It’s something bigger than yourself. You’re representing your country and your sport. As an Australian, the Olympics is a big thing because we’re a big sporting nation. To get another turn at it, I feel very grateful.”
This year marks Day’s first appearance at the John Deere Classic in 13 years, despite never missing the cut and having two top-15 finishes in previous outings. He noted fewer trees at Deere Run and admired the picturesque views of the river, a far cry from the days when the Super 8 motel was part of his tournament routine.