Jason Day has revealed he was asked to remove a garish sweater by Augusta National officials before the second round of the Masters.
Day returned on Friday morning to complete a delayed first round. He donned a sleeveless top, bearing the words of the fictitious “Malbon Golf Championship”. Day, previously a Nike athlete, signed a clothing deal with Malbon at the start of this year.
By the time Day reappeared to begin round two, the loud jumper had disappeared. This sparked speculation over possible implementation of Augusta National’s famously strict policies. The Australian has now confirmed he was acting on an edict.
“They asked me to take it off,” said Day upon completion of his third round. “Respectfully, you do that because it’s all about the tournament here, and I understand that. I respect the tournament. That’s what we’re here to do is try and play and win the Green Jacket. They said: ‘Can you take it off?’ I said: ‘Yeah, no worries.’
“It came from Augusta National. I don’t know if it was a Green Jacket. I don’t know who it was. They asked and I respectfully took it off.”
Day insisted he was not trying to make any point with the offending clothing article. “I wasn’t trying to do anything,” added the former world No 1. “They [Malbon] just scripted me in it and I was wearing it. They send you the scripting and say, this is what we want you to wear Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and I’m like, OK.”
In one of the more bizarre media interviews of this major era, Day was also pressed on his wearing of baggy trousers. These were akin to fishing waders. “Tiger had baggier stuff on in the early 2000s,” said Day. “He did pretty good. I think it’s fine.”
Augusta National has been approached for comment.
