Jason Day’s transition phase was made evident today as he fell away in the final round of the Houston Open in Texas, but he will arrive at Augusta National for the Masters tomorrow with significant momentum.

Day’s drought of wins – stretching well beyond two years – continues after he slid from second place down to tied-seventh on the final day of the Houston Open at Memorial Park.

Four bogeys in the first 11 holes, due to an assortment of poor drives and a three-putt, killed his chances of winning today. But importantly, Day recaptured his form of earlier this week and rolled in birdie putts at the 13th, 15th and 16th holes.

Ultimately he shot a final-round 71, one over par, having started the day just a shot from the lead.

Still, Day will take some solace from the fact he was able to contend this week a few days out from the Masters, where he has a fine record.

Day split from his coach Col Swatton a few months ago and has taken it upon himself to make changes to his swing that will protect his chronically-injured back. But he said several times this week that he is still fine tuning the changes.

Adam Scott completed a good return to golf with a 68 today, finishing just outside the top 30 as Carlos Ortiz of Mexico went on to win the tournament.

There will be five Australians teeing it up at Augusta National – Scott, Day, Marc Leishman, Cameron Smith and Melbourne amateur Lukas Michel, who gets a start on the basis of his victory in the US Mid Amateur last year. Houston Open result