Jason Day says he will take a more aggressive approach tomorrow as he tries to play himself back in the US Open after a calamitous opening 79 at Erin Hills today.
The world No. 3 is tied-151st in a field of 156 players after he carded two triple bogey sevens at par-fours and five other bogeys in his seven-over total. He six shots outside the cut line, although he expects a tougher set-up tomorrow, which may suit his case.
"I had two triples out there, that obviously doesn't help,'' Day told reporters. "(I) found some pretty awkward looks out there. Obviously the middle stretch of my round wasn't the best. I had four birdies.
I mean, I killed the (par) fives today, which was great. I think if we get some — if the wind dies down a little bit tomorrow, get out with some fresh greens, I might be able to get back in this championship with a solid round. But, obviously didn't get off to a great start."
Day appeared to be limping at one point but said he was physically fine. "I just played bad golf, man! I can't put it any other way other than just there was some good stuff mixed in with a lot of poor stuff. Like I said, two triples, I don't know. It's weird. You sit there and it's not like I gave up. I actually gave it 100 percent all the way through the end and I shot 79.
"It's kind of tough because out of every major championship I've played, this has been the best preparation going into an event, and I didn't get off to the greatest start with this first round. So obviously I've got to do a little bit of practice tonight and try to get into it tomorrow and see how it goes. If not, get back to the drawing board and try my best to prepare for the next one.''
Day, who has twice been runner-up in the US Open, said he needed his driver to work tomorrow.
"I'm assuming that the USGA, obviously, don't like to see a 7-under lead the championship start of the tournament. So if I get through to the weekend, I can slowly inch my way back. You don't really have to do too much on the weekend at the US Open to move up a bunch and get yourself back into contention. So the second round is crucial for me to get back on my feet, and hopefully I can do that.
"Yes, I have to (attack). I've got to be a little bit more aggressive tomorrow with regards to getting out there and trying to shoot a low score. I think there is nothing that I can hide by it, but I've got to go out there and focus harder and try to get it done. If they make it tougher, they make it tougher."