Jason Dufner has been on the cusp of winning several tournaments in the past two years and today he fulfilled his potential by claiming the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Through the first three rounds of play, Dufner shot rounds of 67-65-67 to sit atop the leaderboard at 17-under par, two clear of his competition heading into Sunday's final round.
Dufner, wearing XPS-1 and FJ Apparel, started off the day with five straight pars before a bogey on the sixth hole that dropped him from the lead. He rebounded quickly with back-to-back birdies on seven and eight to retake the top spot. Dufner added another birdie at 10 to retain his lead. Then after several gutsy back nine par saves, Dufner's drive on the par four 16th found a hazard. With an alligator lurking nearby, Dufner wisely took a drop and hit his ball to the right side of the green. Now looking at 40-plus feet for par to stay tied for the lead, Dufner calmly rolled in the improbable putt to keep his momentum. After grinding out two more pars on 17 and 18, Dufner was headed to a sudden death playoff.
Both players exchanged pars on the opening playoff hole and they headed back to the 18th tee for the third time today. This time Dufner seized the moment, hitting the par five 18th in two shots and making a routine two putts for birdie and the victory. This is Dufner's first PGA Tour win. Post round Dufner stated of his winning performance, "I am really, really excited and to get the monkey off my back is a great feeling".
Luke Donald (FJ ICON MyJoys) also put on an impressive performance, shooting a final round 67 to finish solo third and retaking the number one spot on the Official World Golf Rankings.
FJ WINS, YOU WIN: Click here to win XPS-1 and FJ Performance Apparel just like Jason Dunfer wore en route to victory.
This Sweepstakes will begin at 12:01AM ET on 04/30/2012 and end 05/3/2012 at 11:59PM ET.NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
I am sorry but Jason Dufner may be the most unemotional player I have ever seen. The total lack of personality does not belie the golf he is capable of.
Great to see Jason Dufner finally get one in the win column. Also great to see another FJ win!
Congrats to Dufner on his first PGA Tour victory!!! What a way to win one going one on one in a playoff against Ernie Els, instant classic!!!! Dufner has been working toward this victory for a while now and I am personally glad to see him finish a tournament the way he started one, on top!!!!!
What a Finish...
chance for Eagle and the first Win - Golden!!!!
Great Win Jason and Congratulations....
Well Deserved.
-ICONs for ALL
Anyone know what shafts Dufner had in his FW and HYB?
Congrats to Jason Dufner on the win
great job Jason! way to finally break through with a win. and a week before his wedding. life doesn't get much better.
Well done Duf!! Keep it up!
I wonder if Dufner was hoping that his XPS-1's were gator-proof on 16?
I'm with you, NCBob. You would have thought he'd just won a free car wash instead of his first PGA victory. I know he's a laid back guy, but . . .
This guys seems like a class act. Good for him.
I believe he had a project x shaft in his hybrid and a Mitsubishi ilima 80x in the fairway woods
Awesome win for Jason. Great win for FJ.
He isn't a made for TV guy, but he can play golf. Wow
Congrats to Jason and perfect timing in light of his up coming marriage. He has struggled of late and finally got hold of those nerves and finished in the winners circle.
Congratulations to Jason for putting it all together to achieve his first win! He is getting to be a real leaderboard regular so win number 2 will be just around the corner.