Dufner’s collapse is Summerhays’ gain
DUBLIN, OHIO— Daniel Summerhays shot a 4-under 68 that took him from a five-shot deficit to a three-shot lead Saturday in the Memorial.
More than his solid round was a collapse by Jason Dufner, who lost his lead with four straight bogeys on the front nine and hit two balls in the water on the back nine for a 77. Dufner went from the 36-hole record to four shots out of the lead.
At least he’s still in the game, and he has plenty of company.
Summerhays was at 13-under 203. Matt Kuchar, who won the Memorial four years ago, ran off three straight birdies on the back nine and shot a 67 that gets him in the final group with Summerhays as he tries to end 82 PGA Tour starts without a victory.
The last three winners of the Memorial had never won on the PGA Tour, and Summerhays fits that mould. The 33-year-old from Utah is in his seventh year.
Bubba Watson overcame a heckler on the 18th hole with one last birdie for a 68. He was four shots behind along with Justin Thomas (69) and Dufner. Rickie Fowler (72) salvaged a rocky day and was five behind.
Graham DeLaet (73) of Weyburn, Sask., was the low Canadian at 3 under. Nick Taylor (71) of Abbotsford, B.C., is even. But it all started with Dufner. “Today was pretty pathetic on all accounts, so have to play better tomorrow,” he said.
NO OPEN FOR LEFTY: Phil Mickelson says he will miss this month’s U.S. Open to attend his oldest daughter’s high school graduation.
Mickelson said being at the ceremony for Amanda is something he will cherish forever.
This is the same daughter who was born the Monday after the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first of a record six runner-up finishes for Mickelson in the only major he never won. He carried a beeper that week and pledged to leave the tournament to be there for the birth.
Mickelson has not missed the U.S. Open since his first full season as a pro in 1993.