SLEEPER HOLD
Dufner asserts control at Memorial
DUBLIN, Ohio — Jason Dufner is working on lowering his heart rate. (Insert your own punch line here.) Dufner, if you haven’t noticed, is a guy who goes about his business — on and off the golf course — so chilled out he’s in what appears as a catatonic state.
“It doesn’t look like Duf needs to stay much calmer than he normally is,’’ Adam Scott joked Friday. “We might have to check his pulse soon.’’
The way Dufner played the first two rounds of the Memorial this week at Muirfield Village Golf Club, he has a chance to put the field to sleep.
Dufner followed his opening-round 7-under 65 with a second-round 65 on Friday to get to a tournament-record 14-under through 36 holes and surge to a five-shot lead entering the weekend. Dufner’s closest pursuers are Daniel Summerhays, who is 9-under after shooting 68 on Friday, and Rickie Fowler, who is 8-under after shooting 66.
Interestingly, the key to Dufner’s success has been his putting, which always has been a weakness in his game. He has made 30-of-32 putts inside of 10 feet through two rounds. What gives? “I’m just focused on my breathing,’’ Dufner said.
This all started when a friend of Dufner sent him an article about a study done by a doctor who worked with Marine snipers.
“It just talked about how they really focus on their breathing,’’ Dufner said. “If you read anything about sniper shooters and when they shoot, they’re really focused on their heartbeat and breathing. Slowing my heartbeat down ... that’s the obvious goal.
“I know that there’s been times with my putting that the thought process and my actions have felt like they’ve been sped up and too quick, and I’m trying to slow down and focus on that breathing. It’s been working. I’ve been using it all year.’’
Two players to watch as possible comefrom-behind candidates on the weekend are Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, both of whom are eight shots back at 6-under after neither made a move Friday.
“Duf is obviously in full control of the ball, tee to green, and you’ve got to be making some putts, too,’’ Spieth said. “He had two fantastic days. He’s a major champion [2013 PGA Championship] and a multiple PGA Tour winner. He’s going to be a tough guy to chase down. But playing the lead on this golf course I imagine is going to be difficult.’’
Fowler, playing one group behind Dufner, had a front-row seat to the damage the leader been doing on Jack Nicklaus’s signature course. That was highlighted by Dufner holing out for eagle on the 18th hole, which was his ninth hole of the round on Friday.
“I’m keeping an eye on what he’s doing,’’ Fowler said. “You hear the shot that he holed on 18 from the crowd roar. [I was] really just trying to make sure I’m moving forward or not falling too far behind.’’
Knowing the adage about how difficult it is to follow up a low round with another one the next day, Dufner, was asked what his mindset will be Saturday.
“I’m not sure,’’ he said. “I’ve never done two in a row. We’ll find out. I don’t think about it too much until you ask questions like that. [Saturday] is another day. I’m working on my breathing.’’