Jason Day laments frustrating second round at Australian PGA Championship

Jason Day remains a slim hope to win the Australian PGA Championship but will need a lot of things to go his way on Sunday at Royal Queensland.

Jason Day plays a bunker during the second round of the Australian PGA Championship. Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

Jason Day remains determined to win the Australian PGA Championship, but admits it will be a difficult task entering Sunday’s final round at Royal Queensland four shots off the lead and with Cam Smith playing “phenomenal” golf.

Playing in the same group as fellow tournament drawcard, Day shot a second-round 69 on Saturday in the rain-shortened event.

In contrast, Smith was dominant with a 65 that moved him to 10-under and into a share of the tournament lead with Elvis Smylie, who had a Saturday round of 67.

“I just didn’t give myself enough opportunities, at least close enough opportunities,” Day lamented.

“I’ve just got to work on a few things and then get in (on Sunday), see how the conditions are and try to plan my way around, but right now I’m looking at Cammy Smith, who’s playing some pretty phenomenal golf.”

Day joked that with the tournament being reduced to 54 holes, it favoured Smith, who regularly plays three-round events on the LIV Golf tour.

Jason Day lines a putt during the second round of the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland. Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

“It kind of works in Cammy Smith’s favour – he’s used to playing 54 holes,” said the former world No.1, who is playing a tournament in Australia for the first time in seven years.

“It turned into a little bit of a race today. I just didn’t want to play myself too far out of the tournament, even though I just didn’t really have my best stuff.

“I’ll just keep ticking the boxes and give myself chances (on Sunday).

“I want to win, but I’ve got to give myself a break too. I’ve three and a bit months off.

“I’m trying to put myself in contention with some swing changes, and seeing how they handle under the pressure.

“I’ve got to work on my putting, work on my swing, to try to give myself the best chance of shooting a really low one (on Sunday).”

Defending champion Min Woo Lee, who played in the same group as Day and Smith, failed to fire, shooting a one-over 72.

However, Lee’s overall two-round score of 140 was enough for him to make the two-under cut line.

Originally published as Jason Day laments frustrating second round at Australian PGA Championship