Australian professional golfer Jason Day teed it up on Thursday morning at Shinnecock Hills. Ten holes later, he was in a golf cart heading back to the clubhouse. He had just hit his tee shot into a greenside bunker on the par-3 second hole, his 10th hole of the day, when he called it quits.

PGA Tour Communications confirmed on X that Day withdrew during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, with a back injury. The USGA confirmed the withdrawal after broadcast cameras caught Day being carted off the course.

NUCLR GOLF has shared broadcast footage on X on June 18, showing Jason Day wincing on one of his final practice swings before he left the course.

The 38-year-old was 7-over through 10 holes at the time of his withdrawal, seven bogeys and no birdies. He started his round on the second nine at Shinnecock Hills.

Day entered the week ranked No. 47 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His 2026 season started well, with a tie for second at The American Express in January, a tie for sixth at the Houston Open, and a tie for 12th at the Masters.

Since then, his results had dropped off, with a tie for 38th at the Cadillac Championship his only top-40 finish in the previous two months.

He had also missed the cut at the Memorial Tournament, his most recent start before arriving at Shinnecock.

Day's record at the U.S. Open includes five top-10 finishes and two runner-up results. His last top 10 in the championship came in 2016.

The ailing back is beginning to become a concern. It has been a recurring issue throughout his career, dating back more than a decade.

Brandel Chamblee Once Warned That Jason Day's Swing Could End His Career Early

Jason Day had shown signs of back problems long before they became a major issue.

In 2020, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee questioned what was causing Day's injuries, and his concerns now seem to have been accurate.

Before the 2020 Players Championship, Chamblee was asked about Jason Day's swing. He gave a direct and honest opinion about it.

"If you've got a short, quick golf swing, you're going to have a short, quick career," Chamblee said. "I know, especially if you've got a violent transition the way he's had."

Chamblee has often said that golfers should not keep their lower body too still while turning their upper body during the backswing. He believes this creates a shorter swing, similar to the swings used by players who often suffered injuries, rather than the swings of the game's most durable champions.

Day had already collected seven PGA Tour victories despite recurring injuries at the time Chamblee made those comments. Thursday at Shinnecock Hills added another chapter to that story: seven bogeys, 10 holes, and a cart ride back to the clubhouse.

Do you think Jason Day's back injury will keep him out of the upcoming major championships? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Surjo Ray