Jason Day might have surrendered his U.S. PGA Championship crown but the World No. 1 was gracious in defeat, insisting Jimmy Walker was thoroughly deserving of his maiden Major title.
Walker was cool, calm and collected as the American broke through for his first Major by one stroke in a wire-to-wire victory in Springfield, New Jersey.
It was a shootout between runner-up Day and Walker during the final three holes, as the leaders played 36 on Sunday, with the Australian refusing to give up in his bid for back-to-back championships.
Heading to the 18th, Day needed to overturn a three-shot deficit – clearly to his dismay – to stay alive and the 10-time winner on the PGA Tour produced one last act of defiance via a stunning eagle, though Walker stepped up to par his final hole for the trophy at 14 under.
Speaking afterwards, Day – who carded consecutive rounds of 67 – said he was happy to see Walker celebrating victory, just like he himself did at the PGA Championship last year.
"It was nice to get the eagle, just to try and make Jimmy think about it, but obviously Jimmy just played too good all day. The birdie on 17 was key for him," Day said.
"A little disappointed, but you know what, at the end of the day, I came in here with not the greatest preparation. I'm very, very happy with how I played all week.
"I know exactly how Jimmy feels, because I did exactly that last year. So it was actually quite nice to be able to see him celebrate with his family and friends there.
"I know exactly that feeling, and he's a very deserving winner. So hats off, because I mean, it's not easy to win tournaments, and he controlled himself pretty darn well all day.
"Once again, very happy with the defence. But at the end of the day, it wasn't good enough."
Day's second-place finish on Sunday was his fourth at a major and the 28-year-old added: "I just want to win, that's all. I keep saying every week, I just want to win. And the big stuff, you know, the major championships, the Players [Championship], the WGCs, I think I get a real big kick out of playing well in those, because obviously there's more people watching.
"For some reason, I just enjoy the moment of trying to step up and hit shots like I did on 18 and being in contention. I couldn't even tell you why I love competing and playing in them.
"I can tell you why I love competing, but I just don't know why the finishes have finished the way they have. Would have liked to have, instead of the four seconds, I would have liked to have five majors. But I just have to be more patient, learn from this experience today, try and move on for next year, and I'm looking forward to Augusta National next year."
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