Dufner’s refreshing self-belief

ANYONE who watched American Jason Dufner throw away the Heritage tournament in April with a flurry of yipped putts would not have been too startled to see him blow a fiveshot halfway lead at the Memorial event hosted by Jack Nicklaus last week with a thirdround 77. What came next, however, was a pleasant surprise as he rebounded with a back nine of 32 shots to beat Rickie Fowler. Overweight when he won the USPGA Championship in 2013, Dufner had little success when the extra pounds fell off him dramatically in the years that followed but has now won again with a rotund belly once more. One in the eye for the game’s gym rats, therefore? In reality, it’s just testament to the importance of being comfortable in your own skin. NO surprise to see Rory McIlroy declare himself fit for the United States Open next week but has he any chance of being tournament ready, having withdrawn from as many events this year (six) owing to his ongoing rib issues as he has played? Following a fortnight’s rehab in Portugal, Rory will be one of the first on site at Erin Hills this weekend, in a bid to make up for all that lost time.