Jason Day chooses Hero World Challenge instead of Australian Open

Jason Day has chosen a trip to the Bahamas to compete in Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge instead of returning home for an Australian Open that will feature top local talent.

Australian golf officials had spoken to the resurgent Day, who rose from 150 in the rankings to return to the top 25 this year with his first victory since 2018, and were hoping he would play for the first time since. 2017.

But Day cited the birth of her fifth child in September as a reason to postpone a trip to Australia for the Mixed Open, which will be played at The Australian and The Lakes golf clubs in Sydney from November 30 to December 3.

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That, however, did not stop Day from joining the elite field of 19 players for Woods’ annual Caribbean event, which will include seven of the world’s top 10 players. Only Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm skip it, with one spot open for Woods to potentially play.

It is understood Day has indicated he could return to Australia in 2024.

“According to his manager, the timing won’t be right so soon after little baby Winnie was born,” said PGA of Australia boss Gavin Kirkman when confirming Day would not play at the Australian Open or the PGA.

“I think we will see Jason playing in Australia from 2024 and beyond. He is very keen to come back and the discussions we have had this year have been more promising than any other year.

Day is the only one of 10 Australians ranked in the world top 100 for men and women not to play after major champions Minjee Lee (7) and Hannah Green (23) both committed this weekend to participate.

LIV star Cameron Smith, who dropped to 18th in the world after the Saudi-backed tour saw his ranking points plea rejected, will join Cam Davis (42), Adam Scott (44) , the winner of the Macau Open Min Woo Lee (45 years old). ) and Lucas Herbert (60 years old) in play.