Tiger Woods and Jason Day in February on the Genesis Invitational.
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Jason Day laughs now, as a result of it’s humorous to him on a couple of ranges. For one, Tiger Woods answered his query self-deprecatingly. However there’s additionally a nugget of arduous reality to the response that makes Day smile too.
The question?
What stored you at No. 1 for therefore lengthy?
Day was speaking on this week’s “The Smylie Present” — which you’ll be able to take heed to in full right here — the place a part of the dialog checked out Day’s time atop the golf world, and particularly the dedication to get there. The podcast’s host, Smylie Kaufman, famous that Day’s devotion reminded him of Woods’, and that led to this response:
“You needed to have, it was — to get to the most effective, it’s a way of life alternative,” Day mentioned on the podcast. “Your complete life needs to be in on that aim of being the most effective. You’ll be able to’t — it’s very tough. A few of the guys can do it. Like a Dustin Johnson and a few of these different guys, they’ll naturally simply get to No. 1, and identical to, how do you do it so simply? … They don’t follow as arduous as you or I, they’re sort of simply naturally gifted in a approach that they’ll do it and it simply doesn’t seem like it impacts their way of life a lot.
“After which there’s folks like me and even Tiger, for example.”
Woods? Actually? At this level within the podcast, Day shared the story of his query — and Woods’ 14-word response.
“I all the time snort at this as a result of — hey, what stored you at No. 1 for therefore lengthy?” Day mentioned on the podcast. “And he would have a look at me and go, I’m not as proficient as you so I needed to work more durable than you.
“I’m like, that’s such a load of crap. You’re far more proficient than me. However once more, what he did nice was that he matched nice method with unbelievable work ethic and in addition an amazing psychological recreation. When you might have that three-prong impact, it’s simply going to provide success.”
Was Day extra proficient than Woods? Did Woods work more durable than Day to the tune of 69 extra wins than him? (Woods has 82 victories; Day 13.) Was Woods poking enjoyable at himself? Was he jabbing Day? We’ll allow you to determine that out.
However Day additionally appreciated Woods’ drive. Day, too, left no golf ball unturned.
“Getting again to being No. on the planet, it was, what am I consuming, how am I sleeping, is there any drama in my life that I must do away with?” Day mentioned on the podcast. “As a result of the quantity of stuff that occurs personally at house impacts you on the golf course, so you bought to grasp that having a poisonous relationship or having drama off the golf course truly impacts you on the golf course. Then you definitely go, how’s my follow schedule, how’s my gymnasium work and you then received to assault it from all completely different angles and go, OK, effectively, all the pieces’s working so as, exit and play, after which my aim, if I’m eager to do it and I’m prepared to push it, you then’ll, sooner or later, if have all these issues working so as, you’ll get there.
“However, god, it’s arduous.”
Editor’s be aware: To take heed to the whole “The Smylie Present” podcast with Day, please click on right here. And to observe Day on GOLF’S “Breakthrough,” please click on right here or scroll beneath.
