So much for the early-season momentum of Jason Day. The winner of the first WGC title of the season two weeks ago, Day backed out of the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Thursday morning with a thumb injury. There was little notice of Day's issue with the thumb, but the talented Aussie released the news just 20 minutes before he was set to tee off at Doral.
Day told Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte that the thumb issue has bothered him since the WGC Match Play in Arizona, where he edged Victor Dubuisson less than two weeks ago in a ridiculous final. Day also stated that he had an MRI Wednesday night in Miami and the scan revealed no major damage to the thumb.
The decision to WD is obviously a precaution with the Masters just a month away. Day will be one of the two or three betting favorites at Augusta, where he's contended at the wire on Sunday two of the last three years (a T2 and 3rd).
The Masters is obviously the main target for Day, but this is certainly a setback for one of the most talented players in the world. It seemed Day was just starting to get things rolling, and the always trendy pick to win a major had just picked up, remarkably, only his second career PGA Tour win. The big money and loaded field of a WGC title were a signature victory for Day two weeks ago. Even with this bump, it will be surprising if he's not ready for and there in the top 10 on Sunday at Augusta.