Jason Day
An Australian golfer who battled personal tragedy and injury to reach world number one, winning his first major with explosive power and emotional resolve.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian professional golfer·Birthday: November 12·Millennials
Biography
Jason Day's path to the summit of golf was paved with hardship. Growing up in Queensland, Australia, he lost his father to cancer at age 12, a trauma that fueled both his drive and his later struggles. He turned professional as a teenager, quickly showing prodigious talent with a powerful swing. For years, Day was the 'next big thing' who came close, logging top finishes in majors but facing questions about his ability to close. That narrative shattered in 2015. Unleashing a torrent of wins, including a dominant, tear-filled victory at the PGA Championship, he finally broke through and ascended to the world's top ranking. His game, built on mammoth drives and a sublime short game, made him nearly unbeatable at his peak. While vertigo and back injuries later disrupted his consistency, Day's story remains one of profound resilience, a champion forged in adversity who delivered on his immense promise.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jason was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2015 PGA Championship, his first and only major championship victory.
- Ascended to the number one spot in the Official World Golf Ranking in September 2015.
- Captured The Players Championship in 2016, one of golf's most prestigious non-major events.
- Has won over 12 events on the PGA Tour throughout his career.
Did You Know?
His wife, Ellie, is the daughter of a Canadian lottery multi-millionaire.
He is known for wearing all-black attire during final rounds of tournaments.
He suffered from chronic vertigo, which caused him to collapse during the 2015 U.S. Open.
“I think the motivation is to be the best I can be, and if the best I can be is number one in the world, then that's what I want to do.”
