Jason Day hits his tee shot on the 18th hole in the third round of the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay.(Photo John David Mercer USA TODAY Sports)
UNIVERSITY PLACE Wash. Early Friday afternoon 27 year old Jason Day collapsed near the green on his final hole in the second round of the U.S. Open suffering so badly from vertigo that it was uncertain if he would be able to continue to play on the weekend.
By Saturday evening Day was tied for the lead with one round to go.
Almost quitting three times on the back nine because he felt so sick Day nonetheless birdied five of his last nine holes including three of the last four to shoot 68 and move to 4 under par for the championship. He was the first player to post that score and was eventually joined by three others Dustin Johnson Branden Grace and Jordan Spieth. Day will play in the final pairing Sunday with Johnson.
I didn't feel that great coming out early Day said after the round and then I felt pretty groggy on the front nine just from the drugs that I had in my system then kind of flushed that out on the back nine.
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But then it kind of came back the vertigo came back a little bit on the 13th tee box and then I felt nauseous all day. I started shaking on 16 tee box and then just tried to get it in really. Just wanted to get it in. ... I really gave it all I had out there.
His longtime caddie Colin Swatton called Day's performance the greatest he had ever seen. After receiving a warm ovation at the first tee Day spent the afternoon at challenging Chambers Bay trying to keep steady sometimes shaking his head and often trying not to look down even when putting his tee in the ground.
Last year I didn't play the round after I had vertigo and this one was worse Day said. I think the goal was just to go through today and see how it goes.
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After speaking briefly with reporters Day left for his motor home which is parked near the course. He later put out a statement apologizing to members of the media for not coming to a post round news conference. That had to be a first.
Day an Australian who now lives in suburban Columbus Ohio also struggled to finish his round Friday after falling to the ground and requiring help to get up. Day still managed to shoot even par 70 after an opening 2 under 68 on Thursday.
Day has suffered from vertigo for some time but was officially diagnosed just a month ago. His best finish at the U.S. Open is two second place finishes in 2011 and again in 2013. He also finished tied for second at the 2011 Masters.
PHOTOS Saturday at the U.S. Open
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