Golf: Day's title defence in disarray at PGA Championship

Jason Day smiles as he warms up during a practice round for the PGA Championship. Photo / AP

World No.1 Jason Day's title defence is in disarray after a horror lead up to the US PGA Championship at the Baltusrol Golf Club.

Day will only get his first look at the course on tournament eve after illness once again struck down Australia's top hope.

The Queenslander took Tuesday off from practice in an effort to guard against burnout after playing back-to-back at the Open Championship and the Canadian Open, the latter in hot and steamy conditions.

But he was also forced to sit out Wednesday's hit out after feeling under the weather, deciding not to risk his energy levels in the oppressive New Jersey heat.

To make matter worse wife Ellie had an allergic reaction to something late Wednesday night, sending the pair to hospital until the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"With the limited practice and limited prep that I've had this week, I'm not coming into this week expecting a lot," Day said.

I mean, obviously I'm expecting to win, but like I'm not really going, alright, you need to go out and force things straightaway," Day said.

"More concerning for me is I just need to feel, even though I'm comfortable with winning, I need to get back to the point where I feel like I go out there and win every single week."

Day's driving accuracy has been a recent problem and while he feels he turned a corner on the weekend in Canada, he acknowledges he needs some lengthy dedicated practice sessions to really get his game in top shape.

Unfortunately, the Olympics has condensed the final major into July, leaving no time for such luxuries.

"Currently with the tournaments and how they are mixed up, I really haven't had time to practice. Haven't had any time off. Pretty much week off and straight back into it," Day said.

"I've got to really try and manage my patience out there, because I have very little patience right now.

"I'm okay. I'm fine. I'm just a little bit under the weather.

"I'm going to try and touch them all today, but obviously the prep's been a little on the lighter side so I need to come in and try to get a good, solid 18 holes in today so I kind of know where I'm going.

"I really have to go out there and try and find a game plan that works for me and making sure that on the tough holes."