New day dawns for Australia
AUSTRALIA teen Jason Day today became the youngest winner of a US PGA Tour-sponsored event, when he chalked up his maiden victory on the Nationwide tour at Higland Heights, Ohio today (AEST).
Day, 19, fired a four-under-par, final-round 67 to beat compatriot Scott Gardiner (67) by a shot, with India’s Arjun Atwal (66) making it an all-international podium by finishing third.
Fellow Aussie David McKenzie, who entered the final round tied for the lead with Day, fired a closing 72 for a share of fifth place.
Day’s victory, achieved with a birdie at the final hole, beat by more than two months the age record held by Johnny McDermott in winning the US Open in 1911.
“This goes down in history. It is a great achievement to be the tour’s youngest winner,” said Day.
“I will remember this win forever. I had a lot of good players chasing me today which makes this even more special.
There was good pressure, so to come away with the win does a lot for my confidence.”
It also confirms the enormous potential Day has shown since he won the world junior championship as a 16-year-old.
“It was a goal of mine to win on the Nationwide Tour during my first season, so to accomplish that is nice.”
The win catapults Day into eighth place on the Nationwide tour money list, and virtually guarantees he will gain his full player’s card for the PGA Tour next year.
He has already had three top-10 finishes so far this season, and joins back-to-back winner Nick Flanagan on the Australia winner’s list.
“I’m glad I added my name to that list,” said Day.
“It is great to see Aussies doing so well, not only on this tour but on the PGA Tour as well.”
AAP