ESNY

Sunday at the 97th PGA Championship saw one man break through and conquer the challenge of Whistling Straits, and etch his name into history.

It was a long time coming for Jason Day. Having come so close in Majors over his career, but coming up empty-handed for his efforts.

Previous to Sunday’s win, Day was 0 for 20 in Majors he entered, since 2011.

But all those short-comings came to end after his par putt on the 18th green at Whistling Straits.

After four rounds of being in contention and putting his name to the top of the leaderboard, Day broke through into the winner’s circle of his first Major, becoming the 97th PGA Champion.

On Sunday, he never trailed, even with the weight of Jordan Spieth on his shoulders. From the first tee, the galleries voiced their support for the number two ranked golfer in the world.

Who could blame them, after what Spieth has done this year? A winner of five PGA events, including this year’s Masters and U.S. Open, and his close call at the Open Championship, the odds were in the Texan’s favor.

But, Day didn’t let that affect his focus. For him, it was just 18 holes separating him from his break through win in a Major.

Throughout the round, you could see Day’s unique pre-shot routine. As he stood behind each ball, he would visualize his target and the type of ball flight he wanted to hit. Once he was set, he would stare into the distance, and close out any distractions that would impede his progress.

That focus and intent aided Day into winning the tournament in convincing fashion.

But, it was a fight to the end with Spieth, who made Day earn his victory. He was certainly not going to roll over and get lapped and settle for second place.

He was out to win, and it’s that effort that is elevating Spieth to new heights and making fans eager to see what he does from here on out.

The two exchanged birdies through the first six holes. The one hiccup for Spieth was making bogey on the fourth hole. However, he would get that shot back, only to bogey the ninth hole, and make the turn at -1.

The rest of the way, he shot bogey-free. And just when you thought he caved, he did the impossible.

He fought to the end and finished with a -4, 68. He was -17 for the championship and finished three shots behind Day.

For Spieth’s efforts, came some bragging rights.

Oh and by the way, he became the new number one, garnering praise from the man he usurped the mantle from, Rory McIlroy.

But, it was Day’s time in the sun!

As he walked up the 18th fairway, he was welcomed like a conquering hero. Everyone associated with the game of golf understood the moment.

He shot a -5, 67 for his final round. He did not take the conservative approach, by playing “boring golf”, settling for par.

He couldn’t afford to with his playing partner not letting up. Perhaps a key moment in his round was his birdie putt from almost 60-feet away on the seventh hole. Despite making bogey the following hole, it was this birdie that made this championship end differently for Day.

However, the nerves and pressure of winning his first major may have gotten to him when he chunked his second shot with less than 120 yards to the green on the ninth hole. But, as his playing partner had done numerous times to others, Day would salvage par from a putt he needed to sink.

From there, he finished with three birdies and one bogey to close out his back nine.

Jason Day seized the moment and shared his joy with his wife Ellie and son Dash, who ran onto the 18th green to welcome home his father, the 2015 PGA Champion!

Cheers, Jason Day! A well-deserved win!

I'm a blogger trying to make it in this world. Have been, and always will be, a fan of the NYR and NYG. Writing for the New Jersey Devils cause, well, someone has to do it!