Jason Days Withdraws From WGC-Dell Match Play After Just 6 Holes To Be With Cancer-Stricken Mother

Jason Day is the world’s No. 3-ranked golfer, and is also a former No. 1, although he demonstrates how great a person he is off the course as well.

Jason Day Withdraws From WGC Dell-Match Play To Be With Ailing Mother

The Australian pulled out of Wednesday’s WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas after only six holes to be with his mother, who is suffering from lung cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday.

Day, 29, revealed that his mother, Dening, was diagnosed at the beginning of the year and was told she had 12 months to live. The golfer brought her from Australia to Columbus, Ohio, where he has been living for several years. She is reportedly being treated at the The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State.

“It’s really hard to even comprehend being on the golf course right now, because of what she’s gone through,” a tear-filled Day told reporters in Austin, after conceding his match against Pat Perez.

“It’s been very, very emotional, as you can tell. I’ve already gone through it once with my dad, and I know how it feels. And it’s hard enough to see another one go through it.”

Day’s father, Alvin, died of stomach cancer when he was 11. The eventual PGA Championship winner and his sister were raised in poverty in rural Australia by their mother until he managed to get into a golf academy, where he learned to improve in the game.

Day said his mother’s “diagnosis was much better” now that she is in the U.S., and he was “glad brought her over here.” He added, “I just need some time away with her to make sure that everything goes well, because this has been very, very tough for me.

“So I’m going to do my best and try and be there the best I can for her, because she is the reason that I’m playing golf today.”

Day also shut down any rumors that he was leaving the tournament early due to his poor health, alluding to a brief back problem he experience at last year’s Match Play.

“Family first,” he said.

Day’s wife Ellie also posted a touching photo of their family on Instagram and posted the following caption thanking all of their friends and her husband’s fans for their messages and prayers for her mother-in-law’s health:

“My family. ❤️ Thankful for all the prayers and support, guys. I knew it would come out when the time was right and although it sucks to WD, this is the right thing to do. Thanks for loving us and lifting us up. Now that it’s “out” , my dear husband and mama D could use all the extra prayers. Forgive me for not getting back to all your kind texts and calls and posts. It really does mean a lot to us. #believingforthebest#mamaDisTOUGH #godisgoodallthetime#foriknowtheplansihaveforyou #teamDay #screwcancer ?@mandyleighphotography”

Caption:DORAL, FL – MARCH 10: Golfer Jason Day hits on the tenth fairway at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa on March 10, 2013 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)