LA QUINTA (Cali) — Jason Day is a regular in the desert and this has translated into on-course success in the desert.
Day, who had never played in the American Express event in his PGA Tour career before this year, was tied for 16th at the American Express.
After starting the tournament with rounds of 64 and 67, the 35-year old managed a round of 2-under 70 at La Quinta Country Club. The final round begins at 15-under.
The 12-time Tour winner, who was the world’s number one player for 51 consecutive weeks in 2015-17, seems to have moved on from the back injuries that have plagued him for so long. Swing changes have started to show shades of the Day of old in concert over the past year and a half.
Day said that Day noticed a shallower swing plane. It’s funny that some of the old stuff still pops up every now and again. I am trying to make changes and some bad swings in the last three days have cost me some shots. Other than that, I’m happy with the current situation. It’s much better than it was a year ago, six months later.
Day has never competed in more that 20 events during his long and successful career. The American Express is Day’s seventh official tournament. This list doesn’t include the QBE Shootout, which was held in mid-December. Day continued to refine his swing moves between the QBE, and the American Express.
Day said, “In that time I was doing a lot technical work. It’s nice to have the opportunity to go out to a spot where there’s not too much wind and it’s like playing in a dome.” Day will compete again in the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego next week. “So, you have a good understanding of the game and what you should do to improve.”
Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner, often works at The Vintage Club in Indian Wells. Day is a long-standing member of this club.
It’s wonderful — perfect grass, perfect weather. Day stated that it was great to be out there. They’ve been wonderful to me out there, so I can bring my family. This is how I have always been. I always go to the desert early in the season. To be able come out here, you can use The Vintage Club to practice and prepare for these tournaments. This area is a bit of paradise for golfers.
The father of four says that the desert lifestyle is a good fit for his personality as well as his family.
Day stated, “I like how quiet and cruisey everything out here.” I’m more quiet so I gravitate to places like these. It’s more of an official thing for me. I can go out and get ready to face the season. We take family photos at Joshua Tree and around Palm Springs. Every year, we manage to do this.”
