Jason Day abruptly withdrew from the WGC Match Play tournament in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday and disclosed that his mother has been battling lung cancer. He conceded his first match six holes in, and he was down three at the time.

In a heartbreaking press conference, Day broke down behind the podium and revealed that his mother was diagnosed in Australia and told she was a terminal case, with 12 months to live. He brought her over to the U.S. to get better treatment and he says the diagnosis is better, however she is scheduled for surgery on Friday to remove a 3-to-4-centimeter mass from her lungs.

“It’s really hard to even comprehend being on the golf course right now because of what she’s going through…It’s been really hard to play golf lately this year, it’s been very, very emotional as you can tell.”

Day didn’t want anyone speculating why he was withdrawing, or wondering what was going on with his game or own health, so he decided to reveal his mother’s illness. His mom, by the way, wanted him to keep playing, but he said he simply couldn’t. “I just need some time away with her to make sure everything goes well…. I’m gonna do my best and try to be there the best I can for her because she’s the reason I’m playing golf today.”