In a surprising turn of events, Jason Day, a former champion of THE PLAYERS Championship in 2016, has officially withdrawn from this year’s tournament due to illness.

Known for his remarkable skills on the greens, Day's last victory came earlier this season at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, where he showcased his talent by outshining his competitors.

Currently in this season, Day has achieved two top-10 finishes out of six tournaments, with his standout performance being a tie for third place at The American Express. Most recently, he secured a commendable T8 finish at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Originally set to tee off on Thursday at 8:46 a.m. ET alongside notable golfers Jordan Spieth and Wyndham Clark, Day's absence opens the door for rookie Danny Walker, who will step in for him.

Walker earned his PGA TOUR card through an impressive performance in the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List and will be making his debut at THE PLAYERS Championship.

This withdrawal raises questions about the impact on the tournament as Day is known for his competitive spirit and strong fan following.

Golf enthusiasts will be eager to see how this shake-up affects the leaderboard as the event unfolds. Will Walker rise to the occasion or will other contenders seize the opportunity to outshine? Fans and analysts alike are tuning in closely.

Stay updated as we follow the unexpected twists and turns of THE PLAYERS Championship!