In an emotional press conference held this morning at his home in Columbus, Ohio, PGA Tour veteran Jason Day, 38, fought back tears as he delivered devastating news to the golf world: he will not compete in the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

With his voice cracking and eyes welling up, the former world No. 1 and 2015 PGA Championship winner revealed that he has been diagnosed with a serious and progressive neurological condition that has forced him to step away from competition indefinitely.

“I’ve tried to fight through it for as long as I could,” Day said, pausing several times to compose himself. “But the doctors have been very clear. If I keep pushing, I risk permanent damage that could affect not just my golf career, but my ability to live a normal life with my family. I have to withdraw from the Masters… and I don’t know when — or if — I’ll be able to come back.”

The heartbreaking reason behind his withdrawal is a condition known as cervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy — a narrowing of the spinal canal in his neck that is putting increasing pressure on his spinal cord. This has led to numbness, weakness in his arms and hands, balance issues, and severe chronic pain that has worsened dramatically over the past six months.

Day admitted he had been hiding the severity of his symptoms for over a year, playing through intense pain and reduced grip strength during the 2025 season. He revealed that the condition had reached a critical stage after a heavy fall during a practice round three weeks ago, which exacerbated the compression on his spinal cord.

“I didn’t want to admit it,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “Golf has been my life since I was a kid. I’ve already overcome so much — injuries, mental health struggles, losing my father… I thought I could fight through this too. But this time, my body is telling me I can’t. And I have to listen, for my wife Ellie, for our four kids, and for myself.”

The announcement has left fans and the golf community in shock. Jason Day has been one of the most resilient and well-liked players on the PGA Tour. After reaching world No. 1 in 2016 and winning the PGA Championship, he battled through a series of back and wrist injuries that derailed his prime years. His remarkable comeback in recent seasons, including multiple top-10 finishes and renewed consistency, had renewed hope that he could contend for more major titles.

Medical experts not directly involved in his care have described the diagnosis as “very serious.” Cervical myelopathy can lead to permanent neurological damage if not treated promptly, including loss of fine motor skills, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, paralysis. Doctors have recommended immediate surgery combined with an intensive rehabilitation program that could last six to twelve months.

Day’s wife, Ellie Harvey, stood beside him during the emotional announcement, holding his hand tightly. She later shared a short statement: “Jason has given everything to this game. Now it’s time for the game — and all of us who love him — to give him the time and space he needs to heal. Please keep him in your prayers.”

The 2026 Masters will feel markedly different without one of its most popular figures. Day has a strong history at Augusta National, with multiple top-10 finishes, and was considered a dark horse contender this year after a solid start to the season.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan issued a statement expressing deep sadness: “Jason Day is not only a tremendous competitor but a wonderful person and role model. We fully support his decision to prioritize his health and family. The entire PGA Tour family is behind him, and we look forward to the day he can return to the game he loves.”

Fellow players have flooded social media with messages of support. Rory McIlroy called him “one of the toughest and most respected guys in the game.” Scottie Scheffler, who has battled his own back issues, wrote: “Jason, take all the time you need. Your health is more important than any trophy.”

The news has also sparked a wider conversation about the physical toll professional golf takes on the body. Many players, including Tiger Woods, have spoken openly in recent years about the long-term consequences of repetitive swing mechanics and the immense stress placed on the spine.

For Jason Day personally, this represents one of the most difficult chapters in a career already marked by adversity. After losing his father to cancer at a young age and battling anxiety and confidence issues early in his career, he had finally found stability and renewed success in recent years alongside his wife Ellie and their four children.

In his tearful press conference, Day made one thing crystal clear: while golf has been his passion, his family is his priority.

“I’ve been blessed to live out my dream,” he said. “But right now, I need to be the best husband and father I can be. If that means stepping away from the game I love, then that’s what I’ll do. I’m not saying goodbye forever… but I have to say goodbye for now.”

As the golf world processes this heartbreaking news, the 2026 Masters will proceed without one of its most charismatic and resilient stars. The tournament will undoubtedly feel different, and fans around the globe will be sending prayers and positive thoughts to Jason Day and his family.

This is not just the story of a golfer withdrawing from a major. It is the story of a man who has given everything to his sport finally choosing to listen to his body and put his long-term health first.

Jason Day has always been admired for his fighting spirit. Today, that same spirit is being directed toward the most important battle of his life — the battle to regain his health.

Get well soon, Jason. The fairways will still be waiting when you’re ready. And the entire golf world stands with you.