By Matt Murnane
The green and gold in Jason Day's blood has kept him at Royal Melbourne despite difficult circumstances this week, but the 26-year-old says he won't mind if those doing it tough in the Philippines claim him as one of their own at the World Cup.
Day's Filipino heritage - through his mother Dening - has been thrust firmly in the public eye in the wake of devastating news that eight relatives of the star golfer, including his grandmother, were killed in the typhoon that tore through the Philippines.
Australian golfer Jason Day is playing in the World Cup despite his family suffering terrible tragedy in the Philippines.Credit: Getty Images
While the Philippines will be represented by its own two-man team in the event that starts Thursday, Day said part of him might also be playing for the islands so rocked by typhoon Haiyan.
''You know what, I know there are guys from the Philippines here, and they've got a heavy heart right now for their people,'' Day said.
''For me, being half-Australian, half-Filipino, after something like that happens, you tend to bend towards that way. But I [also] know that this is a big week for Australia and for us to really represent Australia well.''
Having already lost a grandmother, an uncle and six cousins in the disaster, Day confirmed on Wednesday that ''we are still trying to look for some more people over there, some more relatives''.
''I know there is aid over there now, but … it's hard to get communication to a lot of the parts in the Philippines,'' Day said.
''My mum found out that she lost her mother over Facebook … obviously that's not the way you want to find out you've lost someone that you loved. Everyone I've talked to has said a prayer for me and my family, and I'm trying to do the same for everyone else. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone over there.''
Given the grief his playing partner is experiencing, teammate Adam Scott was full of praise for Day's mental toughness and willingness to push through.
''I was excited to play with Jason here and I think it's great that the top two Australians are here representing this week,'' Scott said.
''The way golf has gone down here for a couple of weeks, it's been such a positive. So every credit to Jason for sticking around this week in a tough time and wanting to play and represent Australia.''
Angelo Que, a member of the Filipino team, spoke to Day on Wednesday night to offer his condolences. Que said he expected those in the Philippines to take a special interest in Day this week.