Coming off the back of a top-five finish at the Vivint Houston Open last week Day is considered the best chance of the five Australians in the field at Augusta National but he has already had his ego put in check.

Across a truncated 2020 season Day ranked 74th on tour for driving distance with an average of 299.7 yards. It’s by no means measly yet in a practice round on Monday Day was given a glimpse into the direction the game is speeding towards on the back of the bulging shoulders of American Bryson DeChambeau.

Given the speed DeChambeau is generating and the added distance he continues to chase there is a growing sense that it will force the hand of golf’s rule-makers, reminding Day of another player who changed the game with his power.

When Tiger Woods demolished the 1997 Masters field by 12 strokes it led Augusta National Golf Club to take immediate action to ‘Tiger-proof’ the revered layout and Day has suggested that the recent US Open champion may force them to find a DeChambeau defence.

“I feel like I still hit it a decent length. I was actually out there walking around with Bryson and he made me look like I hit it very short,” Day admitted.

“Some of the lines I was watching him take I’ve never seen anyone ever take before.

“It’s probably to the point like back in ’97 when Tiger came here and blitzed the field by taking on certain lines.

“That’s kind of the feeling that I get from that.”

Change has been a common theme for Day in 2020.

A departure from long-time coach and mentor Colin Swatton resulted in a run of four consecutive top-10 finishes culminating with a tie for fourth at the US PGA Championship.

Taking more ownership of his swing mechanics and making adjustments to alleviate the back injuries that have plagued him in recent years, Day understands why his results have been inconsistent.

It doesn’t make it any easier to digest but a healthy body and a strong showing in Houston allows Day to return to Augusta National in sound body and mind.

Forced to withdraw from the CJ Cup citing a neck injury a month ago, Day gave a positive response to a familiar question.

“Anytime I try and do these things I feel like it’s one of the first few questions and it’s very understandable,” Day said.

“I’ve always had a bit of a problem trying to stay healthy but fortunately this week I feel really nice.

“My neck is good, my back is good, it held up nicely last week.

“I was out on the golf course working for 5.5 hours (on Monday) which was nice so coming in feeling a lot of confidence from last week.

“Priority No.1 is always to be healthy and to compete but the swing changes are coming along and that obviously showed last week.”

Joining Day in the field this week are 2013 champion Adam Scott, perennial Masters participants Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith and Victorian amateur Lukas Michel, extended an invitation by Augusta National by virtue of his US Mid-Amateur victory last year.

Aussies @ The Masters

Adam Scott
Round 1 tee time (AEDT): 3.38am Collin Morikawa, Tyrrell Hatton
World ranking: 15
Best Masters finish: 1st (2013)
Record at The Masters: 18 appearances; 1 win; 4 top-10s; 5 top-25s; 2 MCs
Odds: $41 Win; $3 Top Aussie

Marc Leishman
Round 1 tee time: 11.11pm* Webb Simpson, Hideki Matsuyama
World ranking: 26
Best Masters finish: T4 (2013)
Record at The Masters: 7 appearances; 2 top-10s; 3 MCs
Odds: $101 Win; $8 Top Aussie

Jason Day
Round 1 tee time: 11.55pm Charl Schwartzel, Abel Gallegos (a)
World ranking: 41
Best Masters finish: T2 (2011)
Record at The Masters: 9 appearances; 4 top-10s; 3 top-25s; 1 MC
Odds: $34 Win; $2.75 Top Aussie

Cameron Smith
Round 1 tee time: 3.38am* Francesco Molinari, Billy Horschel
World ranking: 45
Best Masters finish: T5 (2018)
Record at The Masters: 3 appearances; 1 top-10
Odds: $67 Win; $4 Top Aussie

Lukas Michel (a)
Round 1 tee time: 11.22pm Larry Mize, Andrew Landry
World ranking: 1,440
Best Masters finish: First appearance
Record at The Masters: Nil
Odds: $1,001 Win; $41 Top Aussie

* Starting from 10th tee

TV Schedule
Fox Sports 503: Live 5am-9.30am Friday and Saturday; Live 5am-9am Sunday; Live 2am-7am Monday.
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