Australian Golfer Jason Day Returns to 2026 Masters After Recent Strong Performances

Australian golfer Jason Day is set to participate in the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, marking his 15th appearance. The event begins on Thursday evening Australian Eastern Standard Time. Day, aged 38 and ranked number two in Australia, has achieved five top-10 finishes at the Masters, including a tie for eighth in 2025.

Day's history at the tournament includes a runner-up finish in his 2011 debut and third place in 2013. In 2011, he finished one stroke behind winner Charl Schwartzel after Schwartzel birdied the final four holes. In 2013, Day held a two-shot lead with three holes remaining but finished third behind Adam Scott, Australia's first Masters champion.

In 2019, a double bogey on the 15th hole in the third round led to a fifth-place finish, one stroke out of a playoff with winner Tiger Woods.

Day has shown improved form leading into the Masters. In January 2026, he tied for second at the American Express tournament. Last week, he finished tied for sixth at the Houston Open. These results followed missed cuts at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. At the Players Championship last month, Day made adjustments to his equipment.

Day uses Avoda irons and encountered issues adapting to newer models. He explained that the first-generation irons flew too straight, prompting a request for models that drew. The second generation drew excessively, and the third had an offset appearance that affected his setup. Day has reverted to the original model, which contributed to a second-round score of 63 at the Houston Open.

“I've come full circle, gone from a draw to a fade," Day said. "I don't even know what I want. Golf is we want what we don't have. It is frustrating sometimes, but just stick to what makes you good and go from there.”

Day described his current game positively ahead of the tournament. He noted solid driving, improved iron play compared to recent weeks, and rounding out in short game and putting. Day won the 2015 PGA Championship and has finished runner-up at all four major championships.

Day's former coach, Col Swatton, commented on Day's focus. Swatton stated that Day aims for 20 PGA Tour wins for lifetime exemption and seeks to complete a potential Hall of Fame career, including reclaiming the world number one ranking.

The Masters is the first major championship of 2026. Day's participation comes after a career with multiple near-misses at Augusta. No further tournament schedule details were provided beyond the start date.