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Journalism of Courage
Jason Dufner beat Ernie Els with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff Sunday in the Zurich Classic to win for the first time in 164 starts on the PGA Tour. Entering the fourth round with a two-shot lead,Dufner shot a 2-under 70 at TPC Louisiana,while Els had a 67 to match Dufner at 19-under 269.
Both missed birdie putts within 8 feet on the par-5 18th in the first playoff,so they went back to the 18th tee for the second extra hole,which Dufner won by hitting the green in two strokes and tapping home a short birdie putt after Els’ birdie attempt from the fringe narrowly missed. Dufner lost playoffs last year to Mark Wilson in the Phoenix Open and Keegan Bradley in the PGA Championship for two of his three career runner-up finishes.
Its always really tough playing on Sundays whether you’re in lead or middle of pack,and today I was fighting,trying to win event,and I think I showed myself a good bit out there, Dufner said.
Wedding present
Dufner said his primary emotion was relief when he finally had a Tour victory and conceded that he was more nervous about that last putt than getting married next weekend to his fiancee,Amanda Boyd,who watched the win,teary-eyed,from behind the green. Great wedding present for both of us. It helps with paying for the wedding,obviously, said Dufner,who earned $1,152,000.
Donald is No.1
Luke Donald shot a 67 to finish third at 17 under,and move past Rory McIlroy for the No. 1 ranking in the world. Defending Zurich Classic champ Bubba Watson,playing for the first time since a life-changing win at the Masters over Easter weekend,entered the final round eight shots off the lead. He was unable to mount a charge after bogeys on his first two holes. He wound up tied for 18th at 11 under.
