Jason Day has only competed in one Masters and already he is under enormous pressure to help finally end Australia’s Augusta National anguish.
Of all the major golfing nations, Australia and Japan remain the only two not to have won on the Georgia golfing gem.
Of course, Greg Norman went close particularly in 1996 when he led going into the final round before imploding and losing out to arch rival Nick Faldo.
Jason Day with a 'true' Australian out supporting him on route to a share of second in his Masters debut last year.
Day greatly impressed last year in making his Augusta and carding a 64 on day two, which was the equal lowest by a Masters first-time participant. He also tied the lowest second in Masters history.
But of more importance the Queenslander finished joint second with fellow Australian Geoff Ogilvy.
Seventy days later, Day was runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the U.S. Open at Congressional.
But while Australians have tasted success in the U.S. Open, including Ogilvy in 2006, it is Augusta National where ‘down under’ golfers have yet to come out on top.
“Someone from Australia will win this tournament one day, and I do believe that an Australian will win it soon,” said Day.
“Australians have conquered a lot in different sporting events around the world. This is probably one of the last few that we would like to get to.
“But I would be very, very happy if one of the Australians this week won. Obviously I think that will kind of ease the pressure off our shoulders, and we can just go and play instead of worrying about being the first person to win.
“For this week I’ve just got to focus on my own game and not worry about anything else, not worry about the outcome of what could happen if I do win. If I have a chance to win, I’ve just got to focus on what I need to do out there.”
And if an Australian were to finally be fitted with an Augusta green jacket, Day said it would be good cause for the nation to break out the bubbly.
“I have no idea what the celebration would be,” he said.
“Maybe a parade? That would be fantastic.
“I don’t think that’s going to go that far. But it’s going to be big. There have been a lot of Australians come close obviously over the years.
“So I’m not too sure. We’ll see; hopefully this week.”
And after being the first player off the 10th tee this morning, Day was revelling in returning to Augusta and soaking in the ambience of the ‘Cathedral in the Pines’.
“There’s no other place like it, really isn’t” said Day.
“The amount of tournaments I’ve played around the world, there’s just nothing, nothing like it.
“This is my favourite week of the year every single year. I’ve only played it twice, and it really is my favourite week of the year.
“I just really do enjoy coming back, and seeing the Members and seeing the Patrons and just playing the course.
“I’ve watched this tournament from a kid until now watching TV; there’s just so much history and tradition here, it’s a fun place to be at.”
