Jason Day may have spoiled Canada’s hopes, but it was an impressive win for one of golf’s most promising stars. The 27-year-old rallied at the end of the final round, birding the last three holes for a final-round 68. His 17-under total was one shot better than Bubba Watson, and two better than third-round leader David Hearn.
Canada’s hopes dashed
Hearn started out two strokes ahead of both Day and Watson at Glen Abbey on Sunday. It looked as though this could be the year a Canadian took home his country’s national championship, ending a 61-year drought. But alas, it was not to be. Hearn made par on the last five holes, and had to settle for third place after a final-round 72.
That Aussie Fight
Day did not let the disappointment of not wining the Claret Jug affect him in Ontario. Though it could have been a difficult week following a fourth-place tie at St. Andrews on Monday — and a little jet lag and a big time change — the Aussie held steady.
It looked as though things were leaning in Day’s favor at No 17. when he crushed a 330-yard drive on the par-5. His second shot landed at the back of the green, and he would two putt to match Hearn at 15-under. Then at No. 17, Day hit another massive drive allowing him to pitch, putt and take the lead. On the final hole, Day’s drive lead him to a fairway bunker. No worries, though. Day advanced the ball into the fairway, and then used a pitching wedge to find the green. Keeping cool and steady, the Aussie made a clutch putt from 21 feet to separate himself at 17-under.
“This must feel like what Tiger [Woods] did for so many times, and it feels good,” Day said. “I’m going to try to do as much as I can and keep it the same and try and win.”
Nice year, good company
This is Day’s fourth win on the the PGA Tour, and his second win of the season — he also won The Famers Championship. He joins fellow countrymen Greg Norman (1984, 1992) and Nathan Green (2009) as the third Aussie to win the Canadian Open.
Related: See the clubs Day used to win the RBC Canadian Open
