Jason Day, widely touted as the next Greg Norman by his fellow Australians, has a golden opportunity to win his maiden PGA Tour title at this week’s Colonial Invitational.
Not only was the 21-year-old just two strokes off the lead going into yesterday’s final round at Colonial Country Club, but he enjoys a huge comfort level at the hallowed par-70 venue.
“This is my home course. I only live 15 minutes away and I feel really comfortable here,” Day told reporters after shooting a flawless five-under-par 65 on Saturday. “It’s been a fun week and my mind is in a good spot right now.”
Day ended another calm, sunny day at Colonial with a 15-under total of 195, level with Americans Steve Stricker and Steve Marino and two behind pace-setting South African Tim Clark.
“I just feel really comfortable with the way I am swinging. I have played a lot of stress-free golf and I’m going to try to do that tomorrow,” he said.
Day, a rookie on the PGA Tour last year, hopes to build on the experience gained from his best finish on the US circuit, a tie for second at the Puerto Rico Open in March.
“I had a great tournament in Puerto Rico and as long as I can keep putting myself in these situations, hopefully sooner or later I can pull through for a win,” he said.
■EUROPEAN OPEN
REUTERS, ASH, ENGLAND
Indian Jeev Milkha Singh produced a back-nine birdie blitz for a share of the lead with Frenchman Christian Cevaer after the third round of the European Open on Saturday.
Singh carded a 71 and Cevaer a 70 to move to nine under heading into the final round, three strokes clear of Rory McIlroy (68), Chris Wood (68) and Alvaro Quiros (69).
Singh dropped to five-under after back-to-back bogeys at 10 and 11 before surging back with four birdies and three pars over the last seven holes.
Cevaer is without a tour win since the 2004 Spanish Open and has been in poor form this season.
Mop-haired McIlroy showed little discomfort despite back pain, easily reaching the par-five fifth in two following a 400-plus yard drive.
“I hit a great drive. Then a sand wedge to 15 feet. Pretty routine eagle,” he joked.
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