Dufner wins PGA tourney
ROCHESTER, New York—American Jason Dufner erased memories of his heart-breaking late collapse two years ago when he clinched his first major title by two shots in the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill on Sunday.
One stroke behind playing partner Jim Furyk overnight, the ultra-laidback Dufner produced some scintillating approach play on the way to a two-underpar 68 and a 10-under total of 268 on the challenging East Course.
“I can’t believe this is happening to me,” Dufner said after being presented with the coveted Wanamaker Trophy.
Dufner, 36, seized control with three birdies on the front nine and shut the door on his rivals with an emotionless display of precise shot-making over the difficult closing stretch.
A stunning approach to a foot at the par-four 16th earned him his fourth birdie of the day and he could afford the luxury of bogeys at 17 and 18 as he secured his third victory on the PGA Tour.
After putting out on the 18th green, Dufner lifted both arms waist-high in celebration with his eyes closed and a faint smile on his face.
He was warmly embraced by his wife Amanda, followed by his good friend Keegan Bradley, the 2011 champion.
Dufner, who became the 19th different winner in the last 21majors, had lost out in a playoff to Bradley for that title at Atlanta Athletic Club where he had led by five strokes with four holes to go.
Former US Open champion Furyk, 43, signed off with a 71 to finish alone in second place.
“I have no regrets,” said Furyk. “He hit three iron shots within a foot of the hole where he had tap-ins for birdie, and he played incredible.”
Swede Henrik Stenson closed with a 70 and a seven-under 273, one stroke better than compatriot Jonas Blixt (70).
Rory McIlroy hit his second shot at the fifth into water en route to a triple-bogey before signing for a 70 and a 277 total.
Tiger Woods ended a forgettable week with a 70 to finish halfway down the leaderboard at four-over 284.
“I put four good rounds (together) last week, unfortunately it wasn’t this week,” said Woods.