World number one Jason Day is hesitant about his chances of winning the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club this week after back issues continued to plague the Australian star.

‘I’m just trying to ease my way into it, but the back isn’t an issue right now. It just happens,’ he said.

Two weeks ago Day withdrew from the BMW Championship, the third of four Playoffs tournaments, due to back trouble. He slipped from second to fourth in the FedEx Cup standings, while Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson pulled ahead.

Day needs to win the Tour Championship, which starts Thursday, in order to secure the FedEx Cup trophy (and its accompanying $10-million bonus)

‘Even though there’s 30 players here, you still get pretty nervous because, not only the golf course we play is pretty difficult, but the FedExCup is huge not only from the history standpoint, but also from where it comes with the money as well. You put that dollar amount behind a thing, you get a lot of attention,’ he said.

The 10-time PGA Tour winner soared to world number one after winning the BMW Championship last year, and is nearly unbeatable when his health is good.

A week off from competition ahead of East Lake would have done plenty for him, but the back troubles can be set off by something as simple as fluffing a pillow.

When his big swings come to the PGA Tour’s final event there will be anticipation and stress.

‘I feel like the practice over the last couple of days back at home felt pretty good. Haven’t been able to prep as much as I would like to for this week due to the fact I had to withdraw from the BMW Championship with my back. But overall, I feel good. I feel good about myself,’ he concluded.