Jason Day opts out of practice to preserve energy at the PGA Championship

Jason Day will tee off in the PGA Championship at 11pm Thursday Australian time having had a very different lead in to the second major of the year.

Jason Day put managing his physical and mental health ahead of the perfect preparation for his tilt at a second PGA Championship as he rode the comedown from his drought-breaking victory last weekend.

The Australian former world No.1 lifted a trophy for the first time in more than 1800 days at the Byron Nelson Classic, a win coming on Mother’s Day, the first since his own mum’s death.

It was a win which earned a congratulatory message from Tiger Woods, although Day couldn’t elaborate on what he said.

“I can‘t say what he said because a lot of it was like F-words in it,” Day said after arriving at Oak Hill Country Club for the year’s second major.

But a media conference and a hit on the driving range was all Day could muster after travelling from Texas to New York as he ditched any early practice rounds on what looms as a gruelling layout for all players to ensure he didn’t waste crucial energy as he looks to add to his 2015 PGA triumph.

“I haven’t played the course. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen the course. I most likely probably won’t see the course today,” the 35-year-old Queenslander said, conceding it wasn’t the ideal major prep.

Jason Day and Tiger Woods earlier this year. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“I’m just not fighting anything, I just want to make sure that I’m mentally prepared and mentally ready for tomorrow.

“It sucks to not be able to prepare the way I want to, but having mental tiredness out there won’t do me any good.

“No matter how well I prepare – even if I go out and play a practice round – if I come in tomorrow tired and exhausted, it won’t do me any favours, so I’m just going to try and take it easy.”

Day, who will tee off at 11pm Thursday Australian time in the opening round, was conscious of his breakthrough victory last weekend bringing renewed expectations and was adamant the best way to meet those was to be mentally and physically sharp.

“If I come in a little bit mentally tired and start making mental errors, it’s one of those golf courses from what I know and what I’ve played in the past that it’s going to go downhill pretty quick from there,” he said.

“I’ve just got to be cautious, understand that I’ve come off a good week from last week and with a win comes some expectations.

“But, also, I‘ve got to not get too far ahead of myself and make sure that I listen to myself and listen to my body.”

Jason Day wants to mentally be in good shape for the PGA Championship. Picture: Tim Heitman/Getty Images

Day did have a hit on the driving range after making his way to New York from Texas, where he shot a final round 62 to win, and knows he’s in for a different test.

“The difference is dramatically different,” said Day.

“The grass is different. The sand is different. The playing surfaces are totally different.

“I won’t be able to see how the greens are bouncing, coming in to approach play, and I won’t really see how the greens are rolling typically out there.

“I know we have practice facilities here, but it won’t give you the best preparation going forward unless you’ve seen the golf course.”