Despite the fact he has taken an indefinite break from the game, Tiger Woods has been having an increasing influence on Australian star Jason Day.
Woods has battled form and injury issues for some time and recently decided to put down his clubs until he can work out how to find his way out of what he calls an "unacceptable" state of play.
But Day, who has had his share of aches and pains over the past 12 months, maintains Woods’ advice has been a major factor in his return to competition.
Victory for Day in the Farmers Insurance Open last month showed he was free from the back problems which hampered him last season and has also given him a key psychological host ahead of next month’s US Masters.
Day says that while he and Woods had always been friendly, they had become closer in recent months, both having back issues in common.
“We have always been pretty close,” Day said. “I started texting him and I talked to him about my injury. He talked to me about his. I asked him questions about golf, about achieving stuff.
“To be honest, he is the best guy to ask because he has done it for so long and he is one of the best players in the world, if not the best. He is one of the best all-time," he told News Corp.
“A lot of people forget he won five times in 2013. Five times. We have seen him win so much, so quickly. It really is amazing. So it’s great to be able to talk to Tiger.
“We would talk every week nearly. He has really kind of opened his arms to me, which is good.”
Unfazed by Woods struggles with his game, Day is focused more on the past achievements of the 14-times major winner.
“When you want to be a successful person, you want to surround yourself with people who have done it, who are successful people,” Day said.
“The way they think is totally different to the way people who don’t want to achieve anything think. They’re always looking to improve themselves, always looking to find what can give them the best edge over the next player, or field, or in the tournament.
“They’re always willing to work hard and be positive. The more you hang around with that, the more it goes into yourself. You soak it up.
“I am willing to do the hard work. I am excited about this coming year just because of the work I have put into my body.
“Right now I have never been more motivated in my career.”
Day’s injury forced him to sidestep the Australian summer but the upside of that is it has given him further opportunities to cement his relationship with Woods.
In the same manner in which Greg Norman was inspired by Jack Nicklaus’ golf instruction books, Day said he had studied Woods’ publication when he was in his teens.
"We were talking about it (recently),” Day said. “I think it’s kind of cool to be able to know you have impacted professionals and kids and adults around the world. That’s got to feel great to him.
“I am sitting there with my idol, playing golf with him. To be able to play and practise with him is just ridiculous. We’re giving each other crap out there, it’s fun.
“I wish I could play more with him. That just means I have to play a lot better and he has to play a lot better.
"We’ll definitely get back on top of it."
– By Robert Grant