Jason Day laments steady going but enjoys the Brisbane party

Jason Day knows Cameron Smith’s “phenomenal” golf has left him with plenty to do in the rain-shortened Australian PGA Championship.

But at the very least he’ll return to the United States after his first trip home in seven years with some notes.

The former world No.1 was raving about the 17th party hole even though uncharacteristic putting woes and an inability to pounce on Royal Queensland’s par fives left him four shots behind the leader and three-time champion Smith.

Day has just one bogey across two rounds in what’s become a 54-hole shootout, the world No.31 six under and part of a clogged leaderboard headed by Smith and Gold Coast 22-year-old Elvis Smylie.

The PGA Championship winner found a bunker on the drivable par-four 12th but finessed his wedged to ensure an easy birdie putt.

But those moments were few and far between for Day, who pushed a birdie putt left of the cup late in his round that would have put him just two shots behind Smith.

“I didn’t give myself enough close opportunities,” he said.

“I was nice and patient, but four back ... Cammy Smith’s playing some pretty phenomenal golf.

“I want to win, but I’ve got to give myself a break too.

“Taken over three months off ... swing changes and seeing how they handle under pressure.

“(I’d have to) shoot a really low one, but if the putting shows up, who knows.”

Day did enjoy his penultimate hole, the par three 17th surrounded by bars full of rowdy patrons and speakers blasting music.

The Phoenix Open’s party hole has earned a global reputation for its rowdiness, but Day reckons the Brisbane version strikes a better balance than the out-of-control Scottsdale original.

“The music is great ... drowns out the crowd and Scottsdale doesn’t do that enough,” he said.

“They (the crowd) were very respectful; you could tell they were having a good time and that’s what it’s all about.”

Day has expressed his excitement at the growing stature of the event, with the Brisbane riverside course set to host the Olympic golf in 2032.

“And that’s a really nice party hole, with a wedge in your hand,” he added.