Young gun Jason Day admits shooting a rock-solid round of four-under 68 in front of thousands of parochial Australian fans, his family and friends was the perfect way to celebrate his 24th birthday on Saturday. Day is one shot off the pace set by veteran John Senden at 11-under after three rounds of the Australian Open. “I woke up this morning and actually forgot it was my birthday until my wife said, &aposhappy birthday&apos,” a delighted Day said. “It was a really good day today, it was a nice solid round.” “I am very happy with the position I am in for tomorrow. I could not ask for more.” “Obviously being in the lead would be nice but I&aposm in the final group.” “It has been a while since I have been back so hopefully I can put on a good show for the crowd tomorrow.” Injuries and scheduling issues have prevented the world No.7 from playing on home soil for the past five years. And the US PGA Tour star is relishing the chance to play in front of a parochial audience for a change. “It is funny because it seems like everyone is my friend out there,” he said. “Normally I am used to listening to Americans yell out my name but now I am hearing Aussies and it feels like home.” “It is good to have my mum and my sister and my nephew down and I also have my agent from the States and my agent here and my wife&aposs uncle and Dad.” “It is really good to have them around and give me the support I need. The crowds have been great and it has been a lot of fun to come home and play in front of them.” Day revealed claiming the coveted Stonehaven Cup is at the top of his to-do list. “I really want to win one, really bad,” he said. “I grew up watching the Australian Open and it has always been on my long term goal list and I&aposm in a good position to hopefully check it off my list tomorrow.” While he is already a winner on the PGA Tour, Day, who will play alongside Senden in the final group in the fourth round, admitted he&aposs still learning to cope with the pressures off playing in the last pairing on Sundays. “As time goes on, hopefully I can mature and experience those last groupings and take what I need to take from the experience and put it into play,” he said. “Obviously I am going out there tomorrow and try to win the tournament.” “I&aposll try to play the best I can and really that&aposs all I can do.” “After tomorrow, whether I win or not, I am going to sit down and see what I need to improve and see what I did well.”
Author: Steve Orme, Sportal