Jason Day, the world’s top-ranked golfer, joins The Vertical Podcast with JJ Redick on the eve of the 2016 United States Open tournament. Day talks to Redick about the mental preparation it takes to prepare for a tournament and how that parallels with preparing for NBA regular season and playoff games. Day discusses his magnificent run as the world’s No. 1 golfer, how his motivation to stay at the top of the world rankings has been undeterred. Day discusses his humble beginnings as young man in Australia, about playing for award money more than tournament victories as a young player on the tour. Also, Day discusses his wife’s courtside brush with LeBron James, who once dove into the seats for a loose ball in Cleveland and crashed into her. Here are some key moments: 4:45: Day and Redick talk watches and Jason’s Rolex sponsorship. 8:20: Does Day’s preparation differ for a major event? 11:02: James crashing into Day’s wife during a game this season. 15:51: Day’s recent hot streak entering the U.S. Open and his motivation. 19:04: How competitive is Day with contemporaries like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy? 21:26: Day’s childhood in poverty and his financial motivations for his career. 27:30: Thinking about tournament earnings while playing. 31:57: Day discusses what part of the game he misses most during the offseason. 35:23: Day and Redick list favorite golf movies. 38:00: In the Four-on-Four segment, Redick talks about his draft-day memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices