Why the PGA Star is Sleeping in His Driveway During the Memorial Tournament
Jason Day’s Unusual Sleep Strategy: Why the PGA Star is Sleeping in His Driveway During the Memorial Tournament
Jason Day, the celebrated 13-time PGA Tour winner, has found himself in an unexpected spot this week—not on the couch or in the doghouse, but in his driveway. This unique situation isn’t the result of marital strife but a strategic move suggested by his wife, Ellie, in the lead-up to the Memorial Tournament.
The Memorial Tournament holds special significance for Day, not only because of its prestige but also because it’s practically a home game for him, being just a 30-minute drive from his residence to Muirfield Village. Yet, despite the convenience, Day has historically struggled to capitalize on the home advantage. His record at this event shows only one top-10 finish and two top-25s in 14 attempts, with his best showing—a tie for fourth—occurring under the peculiar circumstances of the 2020 Covid-affected season.
So, what’s different this time around? The secret lies in a seemingly odd decision: staying in his RV, parked right in his own driveway. During a candid conversation with Ron Green Jr. on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Day unveiled the rationale behind this unconventional arrangement.
“Thirty-minute drive, not too bad,” Day began, explaining the logistics. “I am staying in my bus. In my driveway, though.”
Green, understandably intrigued, pressed further: “Staying in your bus, in your driveway? Is there a story behind that? A reason behind that?”
Day’s response shed light on a thoughtful strategy devised by Ellie. “No, so my wife suggested it,” he revealed. “In the past, I’ve had some poor results here and she’s like, ‘I think you’re too relaxed and you’re out of, you know, structure. And you need to treat it as a tournament week.’ So we have a spot where we park our bus in the driveway and, yeah, I’m staying there.”
The rationale makes sense, albeit in an unconventional way. Day typically travels and resides in an RV during PGA Tour events, a practice that provides a consistent routine regardless of location. By replicating this setup at home, Ellie believes Jason can maintain his competitive edge, avoiding the pitfalls of over-relaxation that might come with the comforts of home.
The experiment could be just what Day needs to turn around his fortunes at the Memorial. While it may seem wild to some, the benefits are clear. Day retains his familiar surroundings and structure without sacrificing proximity to his family. If his kids need him during the night, he’s just a few steps away. If he craves a midnight snack, his kitchen is within easy reach.
As Day prepares for the Memorial Tournament with this unique twist, all eyes will be on whether this driveway dwelling translates to success on the course. For fans and fellow golfers, this intriguing approach adds an extra layer of suspense and interest to the competition. Will this unusual sleep strategy be the key to Day’s elusive home victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jason Day’s commitment to optimizing his performance is as relentless as ever.