Australian golf star Jason Day suffered a disappointing end to his 2026 U.S. Open campaign after withdrawing during the opening round at Shinnecock Hills. The former world No. 1 was forced to leave the tournament after battling a recurring back injury, raising concerns about his health and future schedule.
Why Did Jason Day Withdraw from the U.S. Open?
Jason Day withdrew from the 2026 U.S. Open because of a back injury that flared up during the first round. The 38-year-old golfer appeared uncomfortable from the beginning of his round and was visibly in pain after several swings. Reports indicated that he grimaced following a tee shot and struggled to continue before eventually leaving the course in a cart after completing only 10 holes.
The withdrawal marked another frustrating chapter in a career that has frequently been interrupted by physical setbacks.
What Happened to Jason Day at Shinnecock Hills?
Day started his opening round on the back nine but quickly ran into trouble. He carded a series of bogeys and fell to seven over par through 10 holes. Spectators and television viewers noticed signs of discomfort as he repeatedly reached for his back during play. After attempting to continue, he decided he could not safely finish the round and withdrew from the championship.
Tournament officials later confirmed that the withdrawal was injury-related, with Day’s chronic back issues once again becoming a major factor.
Jason Day’s History of Back Problems
Back injuries have been one of the biggest challenges throughout Day’s professional career. While he reached the pinnacle of golf by winning the 2015 PGA Championship and spending 51 weeks as the world’s No. 1 player, recurring health issues have frequently interrupted his momentum.
Over the years, Day has dealt with back pain, neck problems, and even vertigo, including a memorable incident during the 2015 U.S. Open when he collapsed on the course due to dizziness.
How Was Jason Day Playing Before the Withdrawal?
The 2026 season began positively for Day. He recorded a runner-up finish at The American Express and posted a respectable T12 finish at the Masters. However, his form had cooled in recent months, including a missed cut at the Memorial Tournament before arriving at the U.S. Open.
Despite inconsistent results, many analysts believed Day could contend at Shinnecock Hills because of his experience and strong major championship record.
Jason Day’s U.S. Open Record
Although Day has never won the U.S. Open, he has enjoyed significant success in the event. His best performances came with runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2013. The championship remains one of the few major titles missing from his résumé.
The 2026 withdrawal ended his 14th U.S. Open appearance far earlier than expected.
What’s Next for Jason Day?
The immediate focus for Day will be recovery and rehabilitation. It remains unclear whether he will be healthy enough to compete in upcoming PGA Tour events, including the Travelers Championship. Golf fans will hope the injury is not severe and that the former major champion can return to action later this summer.
For now, Jason Day‘s withdrawal from the U.S. Open serves as another reminder of the physical challenges that have followed one of golf’s most talented players throughout his career.
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