PGA Tour star Jason Day reveals one of his biggest career regrets

PGA Tour star Jason Day is gearing up for the 2024 John Deere Classic, and he recently shared his regret over skipping the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This summer, Day, 35, will represent Australia at the Olympics for the first time, teaming up with fellow Australian golfer Min Woo Lee in a bid for gold.

Back in 2016, Day was at the peak of his career, ranked as the world’s number one golfer. Despite his prominence, he chose not to compete in Rio due to concerns about the Zika virus. At the time, he expressed fears about the potential risks the virus posed to his family’s future health. “The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it might present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family,” he said.

Reflecting on that decision before the John Deere Classic, Day admitted his regret. “I really didn’t have any plans on playing the Olympics because it was never on the radar,” he told reporters. “You’re torn between two worlds. The media is asking what it’s like to be an Olympian, and I’m like, I’ve never really wanted to play in the Olympics because it was never part of the Olympics, not until early 1900s, so it’s just never something I ever thought about. I love watching the Olympics. But now, kind of looking back — I spoke about it last week. Looking back on it, I probably should have gone to Rio and played. I think it’s something bigger than yourself. You’re actually 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 for it.”

Day, who joined the PGA Tour in 2008, will be making his 350th start at TPC Deere Run. His schedule over the coming weeks promises to be hectic, with travel and time zone changes on the horizon. “The travel is going to be kind of back and forth,” he added. “I’m going to go [to the] Open Championship, back for a week, and fly back over. So the time zones and shifts will be a little bit tough. I am not going to the opening ceremony, but [I will] treat it like a normal tournament and try and get over there and win a medal. It would be nice. That is always a goal. But [I am] looking forward to presenting Australia, first and foremost. I have never — I have represented Australia at every level, junior and amateur and obviously now I get to represent Australia at its highest level as an Olympian.”

Day’s journey has not been without its challenges. He has struggled with chronic back issues for years, which led to multiple withdrawals from tournaments and extended breaks from golf. Additionally, he has faced bouts of vertigo. At one point, Day considered retiring from the sport entirely. However, he persevered, seeking the expertise of renowned golf instructor Chris Como to develop a swing that would reduce strain on his back. This partnership has paid off, culminating in Day’s victory at the 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson Championship in Texas, marking the end of a five-year winless streak. “I used to [worry about my back] but not anymore,” Day said when asked if he still had to adjust his schedule to manage his back condition. “I feel like I worked my way out of it, touch wood, so I feel good.”