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‘Excited’ Day locks in Aussie homecoming

‘Excited’ Day locks in Aussie homecoming

Jason Day will return to Australian shores for the first time in seven years to play the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane in November.

Day will play his first tournament in Australia since he finished fifth at the 2017 Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.

Fresh off representing Australia at Paris 2024, Day will join defending champion Min Woo Lee at Royal Queensland.

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“I’m extremely excited to be coming back home to Queensland this summer to contest the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland,” Day said.

Jason Day has confirmed he will play the Australian PGA – his first event on Australian shores in seven years. Getty

“Wearing the green and gold for Australia at the Olympics in Paris was an extremely proud moment for myself and my family and it will be very special to get back on home soil and play in front of the Aussie fans.

“I’ve seen the amazing atmosphere at ‘RQ’ the past few years and can’t wait to experience it for myself.”

The former world No.1 and 2015 PGA Championship winner has only ventured home to Australia twice in the past 11 years. His previous trip Down Under before the 2017 Australian Open coming in 2013 when he competed in the World Cup of Golf and then played in the Australian Open.

Day grew up in Beaudesert, an hour south of Brisbane, before relocating full-time to the USA to chase the PGA Tour dream in 2007.

Jason Day of Team Australia walks to the 13th tee during Day Three of the Men's Individual Stroke Play on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Day finished ninth at the Paris Olympics. Getty

As Australia’s top-ranked golfer, Day earned automatic selection for Paris. He finished in a tie for ninth, seven shots behind winner Scottie Scheffler.

“I know there will be thousands of golf fans who will keen to come out and see Jason play at Royal Queensland,” PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman said.

“After learning the game in Beaudesert, Jason has gone on to become one of the best players of his generation.

“We’re delighted to welcome him back home and to see him challenge for his first Joe Kirkwood Cup.”

Day will join defending champion Min Woo Lee in the Australian PGA field. Getty

Although yet to be confirmed, Adam Scott and Cameron Smith are also expected to play the two flagship Australian events.

Day has come under fire from compatriots in recent seasons for not playing in Australia more often. Several Aussies on the PGA Tour see it as a duty to return home to give fans a chance to see them play, in much the same way they got the chance to watch their heroes play when they were kids.

The Australian PGA will take place at Royal Queensland from November 21-24.

It’s unclear if Day will remain in Australia to play the Australian Open at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Clubs the following weekend.