Charlotte, NC – The golf world is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking withdrawal of PGA Tour star Jason Day from the 2025 PGA Championship, which began today, May 14, at Quail Hollow Club. The 37-year-old Australian, a former World No. 1 and the 2015 PGA Championship winner, broke his silence late yesterday with five devastating words that have left fans shattered: “I can’t play through this pain.” Day’s announcement, shared via a brief statement on social media, cited a newly diagnosed chronic respiratory condition that has severely impacted his ability to compete, forcing him to step away from one of golf’s most prestigious majors.
Day’s withdrawal marks a significant blow to the championship field, where he was expected to challenge top contenders like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Brooks Koepka. The news comes after a season of ups and downs for Day, who showed signs of a resurgence with a T3 at The American Express and a T8 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year. However, his health has been a recurring concern, with Day previously withdrawing from The Players Championship in March due to a severe stomach bug and the Truist Championship last week due to a herniated disc in his neck. This latest setback, however, feels far more serious, as the chronic respiratory condition has raised questions about his immediate future in the sport.
Fans have taken to social media to express their devastation, with #GetWellJason trending on X. One fan wrote, “Jason Day saying ‘I can’t play through this pain’ breaks my heart. He’s fought so hard to get back—praying for his recovery.” Another shared, “The PGA Championship isn’t the same without Jason. His grit and talent light up the course.” The golf community has also rallied around him, with Rory McIlroy, who is chasing his second PGA title, saying, “Jason’s a warrior. It’s tough to see him go through this—we’re all pulling for him.” Tiger Woods, also present at Quail Hollow despite his own injury challenges, added, “Jason’s been through a lot. I know he’ll come back stronger.”
Day’s history of overcoming adversity makes this withdrawal even more poignant. He famously battled vertigo during the 2015 U.S. Open, collapsing on the course yet still managing to win the PGA Championship later that year at Whistling Straits. His resilience has been a hallmark of his career, which includes 13 PGA Tour victories and a major title, but this new health challenge appears to be his toughest yet. No specific timeline for his return has been provided, leaving fans anxious about when they might see him back on the course.
As the PGA Championship continues at Quail Hollow, the absence of Jason Day casts a shadow over the event. His five heartbreaking words have not only highlighted the physical toll of professional golf but also reminded fans of the human side of these athletes. The golf world now waits with bated breath for positive news on Day’s recovery, hoping that this beloved champion can soon return to the sport he has graced for so long.
