CHARLOTTE, NC – May 11, 2025 – The golf world was left stunned and saddened today as Ellie Harvey, wife of PGA Tour star Jason Day, shared an emotional statement regarding his sudden withdrawal from the 2025 PGA Championship, set to begin on Thursday at Quail Hollow Club. The Australian golfer, a beloved figure and 2015 PGA Champion, was forced to step away from the tournament due to a devastating health setback that has left fans reeling and sent shockwaves through the sport.
Ellie took to social media earlier today, her voice trembling with emotion as she addressed the situation. “It breaks my heart to see Jason go through this,” she wrote, revealing that Day’s withdrawal stems from a severe flare-up of his chronic vertigo, compounded by a herniated disc in his neck—a condition that has plagued him for years. “He’s been battling this silently for weeks, pushing himself to be ready for Quail Hollow, but his body just couldn’t take it anymore. We’re devastated, but we’re staying strong for each other.” The announcement came just hours after Day was listed among the 156-player field, making the news a heartbreaking blow to those who had hoped to see him compete on a course where he won the 2018 Truist Championship.
Day’s health struggles are no stranger to fans. The 37-year-old has faced vertigo episodes since 2015, notably collapsing during the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, and has battled persistent back and neck injuries that once threatened to end his career. His recent withdrawal from The Players Championship in March due to illness and a T8 finish at the Masters earlier this year had raised concerns, but many believed he was on the mend. Ellie’s update, however, paints a grimmer picture, suggesting the combination of vertigo and the neck injury has reached a critical point. “He wanted so badly to be out there, to honor his past victories and fight for another,” she added. “But right now, his health comes first.”
The golf community has rallied around Day, with fans flooding social media with messages of support. “Jason’s a fighter—praying for his recovery,” one fan posted, while another wrote, “This is tough to hear. Ellie’s strength is inspiring.” Fellow golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, have also expressed their sympathy, with McIlroy noting, “Jason’s been through so much. We’re all pulling for him.” The withdrawal leaves a void in the field, especially given Day’s history at Quail Hollow and his emotional 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson win, which he dedicated to Ellie and his late mother.
Ellie, who has been a pillar of support throughout Day’s career, emphasized the family’s focus on recovery. “We’re taking it day by day,” she said. “Jason’s determined to come back stronger, and I’ll be by his side every step.” The couple, married since 2009, shares five children, and Ellie’s role as president of the Brighter Days Foundation highlights her resilience. Despite the setback, there’s hope Day could return for future events, though no timeline has been set.
As the PGA Championship prepares to kick off without one of its past champions, the spotlight shifts to the emotional toll on Day and his family. Fans are left hoping for his swift recovery, while Ellie’s heartfelt words serve as a reminder of the human side of the sport. For now, the golf world waits, united in support for a legend facing an unexpected challenge.