Monday 28 March 2016 15:26, UK
Paul McGinley looks back on an action-packed week at the WGC-Dell Match Play, where Jason Day saw off Rory McIlroy on his way to a second successive PGA Tour title and a return to world No 1.
Often what separates the top players on a week-to-week basis is that one small element of confidence and Jason's certainly got that. He had a big boost with the win last week at Bay Hill and he carried it into proceedings in Austin.
He has the ability to play on the front foot and be aggressive, particularly with how long and generally straight he hits with the driver, and he just gave his opponents no chance.
Having watched both matches though, what impressed me was how outstanding his short game was. He had just 23 putts in the semi-final and his putting in the afternoon was equally impressive too.
Day kept hitting fairways, putting the pressure on his opponents and controlling matches. He didn't have any easy matches, as you'd expect when you're playing the leading 64 players in the world, but he had enough in the tank to keep winning.
Three weeks ago, Adam Scott was the name on everyone's lips. Now we're talking about Jason Day being the hottest player in the world.
I think you've got to credit Day for his mental strength against Rory McIlroy. That was a real battle between two heavyweights and it came right down to the very last hole.
Rory, from tee to green played very well, but he missed some chances with the putter which he could have done with making to put daylight between him and his Australian counterpart.
Once Jason got the bit between his teeth, he was going to be very hard to beat. You just started to feel the tide was turning Jason's way as the match neared its conclusion.
Then in the final, Louis Oosthuizen lost the initiative when he missed a short birdie putt to go two up. Jason then took control and when Louis looks back at the game, he'll see the first two holes were his chance.
Major thinking
It's funny how quickly the narrative can change in professional golf. Three weeks ago, Adam Scott was the name on everyone's lips. Now we're talking about Jason Day being the hottest player in the world.
Day's burst into form, you know Jordan Spieth is going to get his act together to be strong at Augusta and of course Rory's going to be buoyed after the way he played this week.
McIlroy hasn't had a win this year, but his game seems to be heading in the right direction. You could add at least four or five other names though who are all legitimate contenders.
Jason though is incredibly ambitious and keeps talking about winning several major champions. He's going to go forward and I'll be very surprised if at the end of his career he doesn't have many more major titles.
He's up for the fight, he's looking forward and obviously very confident. Day is certainly going to be a factor at Augusta.
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