Jason Day of Australia collapsed on his final hole of the day in the second round of the 115th U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash., but was able to finish the hole after being treated by paramedics.
Day, who has been suffering from dizziness and perhaps vertigo lately although doctors have been unable to determine the cause, was walking toward the green on the par-3 ninth hole when he suddenly went down.
“I turned around and he was just laying there,” playing partner Jordan Spieth said.
Day was able to hit his bunker shot onto the green, but missed a 10-foot par putt that left him at 68-70 — 138, 2-under-par, in a tie for 11th and three strokes off the lead with the afternoon wave just getting started.
A golf cart took Day to the clubhouse, where he signed his scorecard before receiving medical assistance. Later, he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
“At least he has a chance to recover for tomorrow, hopefully,” said Justin Rose, the third member of the group. “I don’t know if this is one of those things that is 10 minutes or a day. I don’t know.”
Three weeks ago at the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic in Texas, Day withdrew after feeling dizzy during the Wednesday pro-am and the following week he shot 72-72 — 144 to miss the cut in the Memorial Tournament.
Day’s caddie, Collin Swatton, reportedly said that his boss plans to play the third round on Saturday.
“Jason was diagnosed to have suffered from Benign Positional Vertigo,” according to a statement issued by his agent early Friday evening. “He was treated locally by Dr. Robert Stoecker and Dr. Charles Souliere and is resting comfortably.
“His condition is being monitored closely and he is hopeful he will be able to compete this weekend in the final rounds of the U.S. Open. “He wants to thank all who treated him at the Franciscan Medical Group and thank all of the fans and friends who have reached out to he and his family.”
