The 10 best golf moments of 2013: No. 3, Jason Day wins weeks after losing eight family members

Over the next 10 days, until we get to the New Year, we will be rolling out the top-10 best golf moments of 2013. After much deliberation and debate, we picked what we thought were the 10 moments you will remember about this season a decade from now. We continue with No. 3 and Jason Day’s emotional win in Australia. (No. 10 is right here, No. 9 is here, No. 8 is here, No. 7 is here, No. 6 is here, No. 5 is here, No. 4 is here)

By most accounts, Jason Day is considered by peers, media members and fans as one of the nicest guys in professional golf. He’s the type of guy that answers your question with a smile, almost like he’s happy you asked it, not annoyed you even exist.

Day, a 26-year-old Australia with the demeanor of a man twice his age, is one of the most talented golfers in the world, but a guy that just hasn’t figured out how to win on the biggest stages at a consistent rate. He’s been in the hunt in plenty of major championships, finishing second in back-to-back majors in 2011 and carding three top-eight finishes in the majors this season, but they don’t award trophies to top-10 finishes and as a professional athlete, you want that hardware.

That’s why his victory at the Handa World Cup of Golf in late November was such an incredible moment for Day. Weeks earlier, Day got some of the toughest news a man can get after he found out that eight family members of his had passed away in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan tore apart the region. Day lost his grandmother amongst other family members, but being the guy he is, decided to still play at Royal Melbourne since he had already committed to the event months before.

The tournament was a team event, but there was also an individual trophy, and Day won both with teammate Adam Scott.

After the win, he stood side-by-side with fellow Australians with a smile on his face and a heavy heart, knowing this win wasn’t just for him, but for eight people that didn’t get to see him raise the trophy.

It was one of the most emotional moments of 2013, and one of those moments in sports that make you just glad we pay attention all year long.

Devil Ball Golf – Golf – Yahoo Sports