PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Jason Day, the celebrated Australian golfer and 2016 champion of The Players Championship, made headlines on March 13, 2025, with his unexpected withdrawal from the prestigious tournament due to illness, just hours before his scheduled tee time.
Ranked No. 33 in the world, Day was set to tee off with prominent players Jordan Spieth and Wyndham Clark at 8:46 AM EDT. The PGA Tour announced his withdrawal about two hours prior, attributing the decision to what was reported as a "severe stomach bug" developed overnight, as mentioned by Golf Channel's Steve Burkowski during his coverage of the event.
Day's exit from the tournament was particularly disappointing, as he had recently shown promising form, contending strongly at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week prior. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed when he recorded a double bogey on the 16th hole of the final round, finishing tied for eighth place. His impressive performance leading up to The Players Championship had fans optimistic about his chance to secure another major title.
The PGA Tour did not provide detailed information about the nature of Day's illness, leaving fans and fellow competitors concerned about his health. His spot has been filled by 29-year-old Danny Walker, making his debut at The Players Championship. Walker has had modest success on the Korn Ferry Tour, qualifying for the weekend rounds twice out of four tries this season.
Jason Day first won The Players Championship back in 2016, during his reign as the world’s No. 1 player, and has since been one of the most recognizable names on the PGA Tour. His victory at TPC Sawgrass was seen as significant during his career peak when he also clinched five straight top-10 finishes in major tournaments.
Despite experiencing ups and downs over the years—marked by injury setbacks and fluctuations in form—Day has been working diligently to maintain his competitive edge. Earlier this season, he finished tied for third at the American Express tournament, showcasing his potential to return to his winning ways.
The Players Championship is often regarded as the unofficial fifth major of professional golf, attracting top talent from around the globe. This year, 26 players are competing at TPC Sawgrass for the first time, highlighting the infusion of fresh talent onto the tour.
Fans and commentators are hoping for Day's swift recovery, as the golf world eagerly awaits his return to tournament play. Known for his resilience and determination, there is hope he will bounce back from this hiccup and continue to be a formidable presence on the tour.