Jason Day wins at Match Play, but tweaks back; intends to play on
Jason Day was one of 16 winners on Day 1 of group play at the WGC-Dell Match Play. However, in his 3-and-2 win over Graeme McDowell, Day tweaked a back injury.
Day fell down two holes after four but quickly bounced back immediately by driving the 370-yard fifth hole to remain 1 down.
At the eighth, Day started a five-hole stretch that included four wins with three birdies and a concession from McDowell to turn around the early deficit. The world No. 2 held on to tie the final four holes of the match. It was on the next-to-last hole of the match that Day felt a back injury. Hours after leaving Austin Country Club to seek treatment, Day, through his agent, expressed an intent to continue playing.
“Jason tweaked his back (driving) on hole No. 15 and had some work done post-round. He is pleased with the outcome of the match and is getting prepared to play tomorrow,” said agent Bud Martin in a statement.
It would take a second victory in as many weeks, but Day could potentially overtake Jordan Spieth as No. 1 in the world. While that may be a motivator, there are other things to consider, including a potential second consecutive major at the Masters in two weeks.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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