Jason Day Met His Wife Ellie at an Irish Pub in Ohio

The couple's first date was at an Applebee's in Columbus, Ohio.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:30pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of green, blue, and brown, depicting the overlapping movements and perspectives of a golf competition.A cubist interpretation of a high-stakes golf match, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.Columbus Today

Australian golfer Jason Day met his wife Ellie in 2005 when she was working as a hostess at an Irish pub in Twinsburg, Ohio. The two started talking after Jason's coach and caddie gave him Ellie's number, and they went on their first date at an Applebee's in Columbus two years later. Jason and Ellie have been married since and have five children together, with Ellie frequently supporting Jason at his golf tournaments.

Why it matters

The story of how Jason Day and his wife Ellie met provides a glimpse into the personal life of the professional golfer as he aims to capture his first green jacket at the Masters. It also highlights the importance of work-life balance and having a supportive partner in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

The details

Jason Day, an Australian golfer, met his wife Ellie in 2005 when she was working as a hostess at an Irish pub called Mavis Winkle's in Twinsburg, Ohio. Jason, who was 17 at the time, was too shy to talk to Ellie, who was 19, but he thought she was 'gorgeous.' Jason's coach and caddie, Colin Swatton, had Ellie's number, and Jason texted her, 'This is Jason Day from Australia. Do you remember me?' Ellie said yes, and they started talking. Two years later, in 2007, Ellie watched Jason play golf, and he won. Jason said, 'Afterwards, all I wanted to do was play golf and see Ellie. I knew I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life.' Their first date was at an Applebee's in Columbus, Ohio.

  • In 2005, Jason Day, then 17, met Ellie, who was 19, at an Irish pub in Twinsburg, Ohio.
  • In 2007, Ellie watched Jason play golf, and he won.
  • Jason and Ellie's first date was at an Applebee's in Columbus, Ohio, two years after they met.

The players

Jason Day

An Australian professional golfer who is looking to capture his first green jacket at the Masters.

Ellie Day

Jason Day's wife, who he met in 2005 when she was working as a hostess at an Irish pub in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Colin Swatton

Jason Day's coach and caddie, who had Ellie's phone number and helped Jason connect with her.

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What they’re saying

“'I was 17 and she was 19. She was a waitress at an Irish pub, Mavis Winkle's, in Twinsburg, Ohio. I was too shy to talk to her but I thought she was gorgeous. I found out that [my coach and caddie] Colin [Swatton] had her number and I texted her: 'This is Jason Day from Australia. Do you remember me?' She said yes and we started talking. When I went back in 2007, she watched me play. I won. She had no idea what golf was.'”

— Jason Day, Professional Golfer

“'It's so funny, because Ellie really is a country girl at heart. I always knew she'd marry someone famous, but I thought it would be a country singer. I always pictured her with Brad Paisley, but Jason is country of sorts. He likes his cowboy boots.'”

— Lucy Knapp, Ellie's Mother

“'At first I was such an airhead, I didn't know anything. I learned a ton. Random people will ask how Jason's doing and I know enough what's going on, or if his reaction is good or bad. But I don't want to know what club, specifically, he's using. I'll never want to ask, 'Why'd you do that? Why'd you use that club?''”

— Ellie Day, Jason Day's Wife

What’s next

As Jason Day prepares for the Masters, all eyes will be on him and his wife Ellie as they aim to capture his first green jacket.

The takeaway

The story of how Jason Day and his wife Ellie met highlights the importance of work-life balance and having a supportive partner in the high-pressure world of professional sports. Their relationship has endured through Jason's rise to the top of the golf world, and Ellie's unwavering support has been crucial to his success.