Dufner feels strong again
Two eagles propel him to Heritage lead
Jason Dufner took more than a solid showing away from the Masters last week. He took inspiration from winner Sergio Garcia.
Dufner finished 33rd in 2017’s first major. But he took something from Garcia managing his expectations and letting his game show through. And Dufner believes that’s why he had got a oneshot lead heading to the final round of the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Dufner had two eagles on the way to a 6-under 65 to move in front of Graham DeLaet (69).
Dufner, at 13 under, said he entered Harbour Town Golf Links with low expectations, deciding that he gone through too many tournaments overthinking how he was supposed to play or whose expectations he was supposed to live up to.
“That really gets in the way of playing well to be honest with you,” said Dufner, the 2013 PGA Championship winner. “So I think I maybe learned a little bit from the champion last week, where he kind of lowered his expectations, and got out of his way, so to speak, and let his talent and his game plan take it from there.”
Dufner’s talent was on display, particularly on Harbour Town’s par-5 holes. He blasted a 215-yard approach on the second hole to 11 feet for his first eagle. He was short of the fifth green, then chipped in from about 100 feet for his second eagle. On the 15th, the course’s final long hole, Dufner settled for birdie, part of three in a row on the back that took him into the lead.
Dufner plays Harbour Town often, but without much success. His best finish was a tie for 14th and only once in seven previous fourth rounds has shot in the 60s. He is chasing his fifth PGA Tour title — and just the second since winning the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill four years ago.
Dufner said he took confidence from his Masters performance and has carried that into this week.
“I feel like this golf course has always been a good setup for me,” Dufner said. “I haven’t had amazing results here, but I’ve been pretty consistent.”
DeLaet was tied with Dufner heading into his final hole, but three-putted No. 18.
Other tournaments
Mitsubishi Electric Classic: Stephen Ames shot a 4under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over five players into the final round of the PGA Tour Champions event in Duluth, Ga. He is at 9-under 135. First-round leader Bob Tway followed his opening 65 with a 71.
Trophee Hassan II: Irishman Paul Dunne will take a 2shot lead into the final round of this European Tour event in Rabat, Morocco, after a 4-under 69. He has a chance to win his first pro title. He had six third-round birdies to get to 8 underl and increase his advantage over second-place Renato Paratore (66).