Day makes smooth start to PGA title defence

Jason Day feels he’s finding his rhythm after kickstarting the Australian charge with a solid five-under-par 66 to kick off his defense at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas. The former World No.1 is trailing leader Matt Wallace by three shots at TPC Craig Ranch, with fellow Aussie Min Woo Lee also carding a first-round 66 to tie with Day. Harrison Endycott is trailing behind by one shot, while Aaron Baddeley (68) and Adam Scott (69) also put up respectable scores, setting up promising prospects for the Australian contingent.

Before a rain-interrupted round, seven others were one shot behind Wallace, making for a competitive field at the event. Day showcased a strong front nine, going four-under before facing challenges on the back nine with two bogeys countered by three birdies, finishing with a solid performance on the par-5 9th. Reflecting on his round, Day acknowledged his short game as an area for improvement but highlighted progress with his irons. Aware of the course’s demands, he mentioned the necessity of aiming for scores around five to six-under per day to stay competitive, emphasizing his satisfaction with his current performance and acknowledging the remaining three days of the tournament.

Recalling his triumphant finish last year with a remarkable 62, Day emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities on specific holes to build momentum swiftly. He expressed confidence in his game’s suitability for the course layout, highlighting the strategic approach he employs while navigating each hole. Meanwhile, Wallace, despite a challenging season with several missed cuts, made a strong statement in the opening round with five birdies in the first six holes, culminating in a bogey-free round and his career-best score, cementing his contention at the tournament’s outset.