Day withdraws from Memorial after re-injuring back

With just days to go before his US Open qualifying teetime, Jason Day has pulled out of Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament with a back injury.

Since his Open Championship debut in 2010, Day has missed just one major when he skipped the 2012 Open Championship due to the impending birth of his first child, Dash.

Jason Day (Credit: PGA Tour)

This year with his world ranking at No. 69, he didn’t automatically qualify for a spot at Torrey Pines and his only hope to make it to California was a solid finish this week or to earn a spot via Final Qualifying on the Monday following The Memorial. Day had previously indicated he would not go through the qualifying process but he is still listed as a starter.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had to make the decision to withdraw from the Memorial Tournament with a back injury. While my body has been great recently I tweaked my back on Monday and while we tried to get it right over the last few days ultimately I felt the best decision was not to put it at further risk,” said Day.

“It’s disappointing to have to miss one of my favourite tournaments of the year but I’m confident it’s nothing major and with some rest and rehab I’ll be back soon. I look forward to returning to Muirfield Village next year and I wish Jack and the tournament every success this week.”

Day and his wife Ellie are also awaiting the birth of their fourth child, who is due to arrive any day now.