Jason Day ‘gutted’ over his Masters finish, as Min Woo Lee ready to learn from the best

Jason Day landed his fifth top-10 finish at the Masters - and was in contention throughout. Ultimately another narrow miss for the veteran proved to him he’s still got what it takes at the top level.

Australian veteran Jason Day says he’s “gutted” to fall short at the Masters again, but believes he can still contend at major championships.

Day, 37, and runner-up Justin Rose both started the final round seven shots behind winner Rory McIlroy.

Day shot an even-par 72 to finish in the top 10 at Augusta National for the fifth time in his career.

Rising star Min Woo Lee was the only other Australian to make the cut.

“I’m pretty gutted right now. It’s annoying to give myself the opportunities out there and not be able to take them,” Day said.

“I mean, it’s a step in the right direction. That’s all I can say.”

Day made bogeys at his final two holes – but his total of five for the tournament was easily the least of any player.

He reunited with long-time swing coach Colin Swatton in January.

“When I sit down and digest it all, I think it’s a good positive step in the right direction,” he said.

“Just a few minor tweaks here and there and a few more putts go in, it might be a different story this week.

“I’ve got to just take the positives when I sit down and think about how the week went.

Jason Day looks on during his final round on Sunday. Picture: Getty

“I was very patient out there. I need to get back to the drawing board.

“I played the frontside tremendous. Just need to play the backside a little bit better and hole a few (more) putts.

“It’s nice … at least trying to give myself a chance at winning the Masters.”

Day finished at five-under for the tournament, six back of McIlroy and Rose before the play-off.

AUSSIE YOUNG GUN READY FOR ADVICE

Min Woo Lee says he’s listening to his mate and mentor Jason Day about stepping up his workrate.

Lee faded out at the Masters with a final-round 74, finishing the tournament in 49th place, two weeks after his breakthrough PGA Tour win.

The social media star is being urged by Day, a former world No.1 who beat him by 10 strokes at Augusta, to change his “lifestyle” and cash in on his immense talent.

“A lot of people believe in me to be a really great player, but when you kind of hear it a couple times from someone (Day) that’s been there, it really gets into you,” Lee said.

Min Woo Lee faded with a final-round 74. Picture: Getty

“If you don’t want to put in an extra couple minutes or extra hour of golf, you tell yourself, hey, this is what he’s talkingabout.

“Sometimes when you’re tired, you’ve just got to listen to your body and mind, but just giving that little extra ounce I thinkis going to push me forward, and obviously it’s been showing. A lot of consistent golf over the last six months and year.

“It’s really cool to have him (Day) as a friend and a mentor.”

Lee said the Masters was a big step-up from the regular playing tour.

“The best players in the world are here, it’s a small field, and it’s got to be one of the most mentally challenging courses,” he said.

Min Woo Lee with caddie Brian Martin during a challenging weekend. Picture: Getty

“I had a chat with my caddie Bo (Brian Martin) walking up 18, and I just asked him if it’s more of a mental or a technicalbattle here. Obviously you need to be on with your game, but I think the mental (game) has to be right up there.

“The best top players mentally are going to be at the top of the leaderboard.

“(I’ve got) a lot of learning to do. I’m really early in the stages of hopefully my career at Augusta, so I can’t wait forwhatever the next few years have in store.

“I feel like I’m still young and I still have years ahead of me, and all I can do is learn. “Hopefully I can feed off this.There’s a lot of disappointments in golf, but you’ve got to look at it as a lot of positives, too. Just don’t beat yourselfup and hopefully the next years are good.”

Lee will play in this week’s RBC Heritage tournament before taking a rest.

Originally published as Jason Day ‘gutted’ over his Masters finish, as Min Woo Lee ready to learn from the best