Jason Day battling illness; withdraws from pro-am at Farmers Insurance Open
As defending champion, Jason Day battling an illness and in doubt to play at this week’s PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines.
Jason Day has withdrawn from the pro-am ahead of his title defence at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Day’s victory last year saw him rise as Australia’s top ranked golfer for the first time and kick started a magnificent 2015, culminating in five victories including the US PGA Championship.
So it’s no surprise that Day is keen to tee off this week in successful, familiar surroundings but Day was a no-show for the pro-am and his pre-tournament press conference citing flu-like symptoms.
AAP’s Ben Everill is the man when it comes to news on Jason Day and he was keen to look on the bright side:
Still hoping 2 go Thurs but @JDayGolf not near 100%. Virus flooring him & family. Last time he missed pro-am – Barclays. Won by 6 #justsayin
— Benjamin Everill (@beneverill) January 27, 2016
Everill also wrote yesterday that while Day is the big name in the field this week, young australia Ryan Ruffels is making his professional début at the Farmers Insurance Open and is keen to follow in Day’s footsteps:
Like Day, Ruffels has a Junior World Golf Championships title from Torrey Pines on his resume, winning in 2014, and hopes to use his pro debut as a statement.
“I like to see myself on a similar path to what Jason has done,” said Ruffels.
“I am turning pro at a similar time and I hope I can continue to go down that path because he’s an incredible player.