Jason Day explains what happens on the Augusta greens which leads to so many players missing putts at the Masters

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Despite being a major champion and former world number one, Jason Day does not have the happiest record at the Masters in recent years, with just one top 10 at Augusta National since 2017.

Of course, the world’s best are starting to think ahead to the first major of the year, with the Masters rapidly approaching on the horizon. For many golf fans, the visit to Augusta National marks the official start to the season.

Winning at the Masters secures golfing immortality for the champion each year. The event is unique in being the one major played at the same golf course every single year.

But it presents a challenge like few others on the PGA Tour. While there have been some low scores over the years, there have also been some real horror shows – including ones which have made leaders look incredibly foolish and taken them completely out of contention.

Jason Day suggests the key to putting at Augusta National ahead of the Masters

Getting a handle on the greens can be particularly important. Jon Rahm recovered from four-putting his opening green to win in 2023. But it is hard to imagine just how mentally exhausting it can be to negotiate the putting surfaces over four days at Augusta.

Speaking on Bryan Bros Golf, Jason Day explained what becomes crucial if you are ever going to master the greens at the first major of the year.

“When you play Augusta National, you have to deal with a lot of breaking putts that are potentially a foot outside the hole from four feet. And you have to get used to hitting your line with the correct speed, because if you don’t hit your line with the correct speed, if you hit it too hard, it’s missing high side and going a long way away, so you have to test yourself and be committed to what you’re trying to do. If you’re not committed, you’re going to miss a lot of putts that week,” he said.

Jason Day ranks the majors based on how much he wanted to win each as a youngster

When Day clinched the PGA Championship back in 2015, it appeared set to be the first of many majors for the Australian. He would win two FedEx Cup playoff events shortly after to take his tally of victories for the year to five.

Unfortunately, he has never quite been able to replicate that level of dominance since, with injury and form hurting him at various stages over the years. However, Day is back amongst the best in the world.

And while he is unlikely to be amongst the favourites for the majors in 2025, it would certainly not be a shock to see him threaten to put himself in contention on a couple of occasions.

Interestingly, when asked by Wesley Bryan to rank the majors based on how desperate he was to win them as a youngster, Day insisted that there was one clear favourite.

“17 year old Jason Day, I would say: Augusta, British Open, US Open, PGA. You’d take any of them because it’s a major, obviously, but when I was growing up, I wanted to win Augusta so bad, and I still do,” he said.

With Scottie Scheffler yet to hit top gear and Xander Schauffele still recovering from injury, Day may not have a better opportunity to push for that dream win next month.