Jason Day fired one-under round of 70 to survive a talented field, marked by fellow contenders Thomas Bjorn, Adam Scott and Matt Kuchar, to win the World Cup of Golf at the Royal Melbourne. The format of the tournament for this year event, making it an individual match with the team aspect secondary changes. Day also won that part next to compatriot Scott. The pair combined to form complete lines 17 under par.
As Dennis Passa the Associated Press (via ABC News) points out, it was the first tournament in five weeks for the day, which relatives in this month Typhoon in the Philippines lost:
The World Cup day's first tournament was in five weeks and came two weeks after he learned that eight of his relatives, including his grandmother, died Nov. 9 in the typhoon in the Philippines.
His mother, who migrated to Australia from the Philippines 30 years ago, and sister were just off the green on 18. Both hugged him as he walked toward the scoring tent to sign his card.
On 10 under par won the Australian the event by two strokes over Bjorn and three lines about Scott, who made a charge in the final round but could not capture his partner for the individual title. Although the day is a constant presence near the top of the leaderboard, especially during the majors, marks the victory in Melbourne his first victory since the HP Byron Nelson Championship in 2010. His only other victory came on the Nationwide Tour legend financial group Classic in 2007.
The strong showing could bode well for the 26-year-old. His ability to compete at a high level in major tournaments was always a good sign, but if he can start turning this close calls in wins, he can become one of the best players in the world. Coming out on top in the World Cup of Golf is a step in the right direction for the day, but larger WINS are likely on the horizon.