Australia’s Jason Day will remember this day for a long time to come being nominated for the prestigious Don Award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at the same time as achieving his lifelong dream of becoming the Number 1 golfer in the world.

Each year the Sport Australia Hall of Fame award The Don, widely regarded as Australia’s leading contemporary sporting award, to the athlete or athletes who through their performance and example over the past
year have most inspired the nation.

One of 12 finalists Jason Day epitomises the traits with which The Don is awarded. It is also fitting that the nomination is announced the same day he becomes number one in the world.
 
"To be nominated for The Don is an honour truly befitting Jason Day," said Brian Thorburn, CEO
of the PGA of Australia.
 
"On the golf course Jason’s achievements this year have been incredible, winning his first Major and achieving his childhood dream of being the number one golfer in the world, these alone entitle him to being recognised as one of Australia’s greatest sportsman."

"However it is the way in which Jason conducts himself off the golf course and so proudly flies the Australian flag around the world which make him truly deserving. His determination, graciousness and fighting spirit are traits which make him a wonderful ambassador for Australian golf and sport on
the world stage."

Long touted as Australian golf’s most exciting prospect, Jason Day has lived up to the weight of a nation’s expectation in 2015 winning his first Major title at the PGA Championship.

But this year has been about so much more than his Major victory and four other PGA TOUR wins, Day inspired a nation as be bravely pushed through a severe case of vertigo which saw him collapse on course at the US Open during the third round.

Showing mental toughness and determination, qualities that are now his trademark, Day went onto finish tied 9^th.

Made to perform on the world’s biggest stages, Day also finished tied fourth at The Open at St Andrews, the home of golf, and just one shot outside of a playoff which included fellow Australian Marc Lieshman.

On a personal level, Day is much admired by golf fans and fellow competitors for his close knit team which includes his coach and caddy, PGA Professional Col Swatton who has mentored Day since his father passed away when he was just 12 years of age.

A true family man, Day is never far away from his wife Ellie and son Dash and while many fans would love to see him competing in Australia this year as the PGA Champion, he has put his family first and will remain in America with his wife who is due to give birth to their second child in November.

If Jason Day were to win The Don, to be announced on Wednesday 21^st October, he would become the second golfer to receive the prestigious honour. Adam Scott was the 2013 recipient after becoming the first Australian to win The Masters.

Related Links

Video / ‘Never Say Die’ a film on Jason Day’s story 29.09.15
News / Day achieves boyhood dream of World Number 1 21.09.15
News / Day shortlisted for ‘The Don’ 21.09.15
Video / Video: Jason Day claims world number 1 21.09.15