Jason Day finds himself second on the
leaderboard at the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational after what he describes as a
weird day.

Firestone Country Club is always a test for
players and even the World Number 1 felt it in the first round.

However thanks to a grinding mentality, Day
managed to shoot 3-under 69 and be tied second.

"It was just kind of a weird
feeling today where I kind of made some good pars, kept the momentum going, and
all of a sudden I shot 67. I left one in the heart for 66," said Day.

"My short game kind of
overshadowed the great iron shots that I did hit out there and giving myself
the opportunity to make birdie."

"Even though I only made four
birdies, it was very difficult to try and make birdies out there with the
conditions of the golf course."

Day feels like he is in a great
position mentally after announcing his difficult decision to withdraw from the
Olympics this week.

"I think there’s a lot of
weight that came off my shoulders because I have been thinking about it for a
long time," said Day.

"I was still thinking about
what I was going to do at the end of last week. Coming into this week, I knew
exactly when I was going to have my presser and talk about it so I was kind of
nervous. Obviously withdrawing from the Olympics is a hard decision."

With his announcement out of the way, Day was focused on his preparations for
the Bridgestone Invitational, adding another WGC event to his resume is high on
his priority list.

"I’ve been practicing since
last week, and I felt physically and mentally prepared for this tournament," added Day, who is inspiring the next generation of Aussie golfers with his winning way and as the MyGolf Ambassador.

"Right now all I’m trying to do
is just grind it out. I really want to get myself into contention Sunday and
hopefully either have the lead Sunday or be around the lead."

"I’ve played here before, and I
think my best finish is T4. I’d really like to win one of these because these
are big events to win."

"If I can win this one it
extends that lead from World Number 1 to 2, and that’s what I’m most concerned
about is just really trying to extend that lead."