Former world No.1 Jason Day is thrilled with the prospect of reconnecting with Australian fans after confirming he is coming home to Queensland in November for the summer of golf.
Day, 36, has committed to competing in the Australian PGA Championship – an event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour – at Royal Queensland on November 21-24.
It will be the first time that Day has contested the event since finishing in a tie for ninth at Coolum in 2011.
His most recent trip home to compete in a tournament was in 2017 when he placed fifth at the Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.
“It will be very special to get back on home soil and play in front of the Aussie fans,” Day said.
“I’m extremely excited to be coming back home to Queensland this summer to contest the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland.
“I’ve seen the amazing atmosphere at ‘RQ’ the past few years and can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
Day will join fellow Paris Olympian and defending Australian PGA champion Min Woo Lee at Royal Queensland.
“Wearing the green and gold for Australia at the Olympics in Paris was an extremely proud moment for myself and my family,” Day said.
There is yet to be an announcement whether Day, who with Lee and Adam Scott will represent the Internationals at the upcoming Presidents Cup, will also compete in the Australian Open at the Kingston Heath and Victoria golf clubs on November 28-December 1.
PGA of Australia chief executive officer Gavin Kirkman said “thousands of golf fans” would want to see Day in action at Royal Queensland.
“After learning the game in Beaudesert, Jason has gone on to become one of the best players of his generation,” Kirkman said of the 2015 US PGA champion who has also been a runner-up at the other three majors – the Masters, the US Open and the Open Championship.
“We’re delighted to welcome him back home and to see him challenge for his first Joe Kirkwood Cup.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy described Day as “Australian golf royalty”.
“To have him play in the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship is absolutely sensational, his first ever at Royal Queensland,” Healy said.
“It’s terrific to welcome a player as accomplished as Jason back to our state to compete in this world-class event, especially when they’re Queenslanders.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the event at Royal Queensland would be an “unmissable showdown”.
“With a suite of world class athletes confirmed to play, the BMW Australian PGA Championship is going to be a must-see event for local and visiting golf fans,” Schrinner said.