Australian golf legend Jason Day was in contention for his first PGA Tour win in nearly two years at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he was only two shots behind leader Collin Morikawa. On the final round, Day found himself in a strong position, teeing off on the par-5 16th hole with a shot from the fairway, 192 yards from the green.
However, a significant concern arose when Day noticed mud on the back of his ball, leading to hesitation as he deliberated his next move. On-course analyst Smylie Kaufman noted the potential impact of the mud on the accuracy of his shot. Commentator Dan Hicks remarked on how unusual it was for Day to find mud on a well-maintained course like Bay Hill, implying Day had encountered one of the few soft areas.
As Day attempted to regain his footing and push for a better position in pursuit of the $6.35 million winner’s cheque, disaster struck. His shot veered into the water, leading to an unfortunate double bogey that saw him drop from contention. Hicks was baffled, speculating whether it was solely due to the mud or a lapse in Day’s swing mechanics.
This misstep had significant repercussions, with Day’s three shots behind turning into a five-shot deficit as Russell Henley overtook Morikawa to win the event. Day, who had been holding third place at the time of his error—worth a substantial $2.2 million—ultimately finished tied for eighth, collecting just over $1 million.
Despite his struggles, the 37-year-old continues to be a formidable presence on the PGA Tour, holding 13 victories over 15 years, but his last triumph came at the Byron Nelson in May 2023. The pressure of high-stakes golf, coupled with the uncertainty of a tricky shot, proved too much at a pivotal moment in his campaign.