Aussie Jason Day returns to competition after securing victory in the RBC Canadian Open and went straight into bat for the absent Tiger Woods at this week’s WGC – Bridgestone Inviational in Akron, Ohio.

Woods has won the Bridgestone backed event eight times – the opening three from 1999 to 2001, three more occasions from 2005 to 2007, then in 2009 and two years ago in 2013.

That’s eight victories in exactly half of the 16 stagings of the $9.25m tournament on the Firestone Country Club course.

Tiger Woods with an eighth WGC – Bridgestone Invitational trophy but then there is no category for former champions so Woods is absent this week. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

In fact, Woods has captured seven of the 16 WGC – Cadillac Championship events while he’s tasted success in three of the 17 WGC – Cadillac Match-Play tournaments.

However under WGC guidelines there is no category and any of the WGCs that cater for former champions.

And it’s something Day finds bizarre.

“You win the bloody tournament eight times, you probably should (be in the tournament),” he said.

“Oh man, it’s tough, though.  It’s something that, for us as players, we have to earn our spots in these tournaments.  Unfortunately, right now, Tiger’s going through a spell where he’s not playing that great.

“For him, he never had to think about it because he was No. 1 in the world for so long, it was just part of his schedule.

“I know someday I’m going to go through the exact same thing where I have somehow to earn my way back into this tournament, but I’m hoping it’s a long time away from that.

“But then this is one touranment Tiger has played well in and wins a lot.  Eight times, it’s just amazing to even think about.  Some guys are just hoping to win one WGC, let alone eight times at the one venue.”