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Jun 25, 2026

Jason Day Points to Childhood Trauma When Crediting His Golf Success

Jason Day Points to Childhood Trauma When Crediting His Golf Success

The former world No. 1 joins The Dan Evans Show to discuss his upbringing, his career, competing with Jordan Spieth and new partnerships on the way.Dan Evans|
Dan Evans

The Dan Evans Show: Jason Day on his upbringing and overcomging tragedy.

Jason Day did not have the same path to the PGA Tour as a lot of the guys you see playing on Sundays.

The former world No. 1 golfer grew up in Australia, and his childhood was shaped by a loss that changed the direction of his life. Day’s father died when he was just 12 years old after being heavily involved in his golf game from a young age.

Losing a parent at 12 can derail someone’s entire life. For Day, it changed everything, but not in the way some might expect.

After his father’s passing, Day’s mother sent him to Kooralbyn International School in Australia. That is where he met longtime coach and mentor Col Swatton, who became one of the most important people in his golf career.

From there, Day kept chasing his goal of becoming a professional golfer. He did not ignore the pain from losing his father. Rather, he used it as motivation.

That motivation led Day to one of the best careers of his generation. He became a major champion, reached world No. 1, and has earned well millions on the PGA Tour.

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