Day, after injury and birth of child, looks to regain form at McGladrey

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Jason Day is hoping his form has arrived just in time for a successful week in Georgia as the PGA Tour moves to the McGladrey Classic.

The Australian has had an indifferent season so far, but an outstanding start to his final round helped him to fourth place at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open two weeks ago, and the 24-year-old is hoping his troubles are behind him.

"This year's been very tough on me," said Day, who is currently 27th in the world rankings, having broken into the top 10 last year as he finished runner-up at both the U.S. Open and the Masters. "With the injuries and obviously with the birth of my first child, which has been a positive thing on my life, it took time away from the golf course.

"It was like a broken puzzle, pretty much," he added. "Over these last couple of months I've been able to actually get back to practicing, get back to the normal way that I prepared for an event last year."

At one point, Day was on pace for a 59 on that final round two weeks ago in Las Vegas, ultimately settling for a 65.

If he can carry that momentum on to a course that could suit his style, he will surely be among the contenders this week, although he will have to find his feet quickly having never played at Sea Islands Golf Club before.

"I'm looking forward to finishing up the year strong," he said. "I want to finish up strong going into next year."

The favorite this week is Zach Johnson. Nobody will know the course better than the St. Simons Island resident -- and that could amount to an unfair advantage for a man who has missed only one cut in 24 starts this season and tackles the course refreshed from a two-week break after the Ryder Cup.