Jason Dufner got his first career PGA Tour title this weekend at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, beating Ernie Els with a birdie in the second playoff on the par-5 18th. In the first playoff hole, both missed birdie putts within 8 feet of the hole, but Dufner won the second
playoff hole by making a short birdie putt after Els missed his birdie attempt.
According to our Facebook Poll over the weekend, only about 18% of people picked Dufner for the win. Understandable, as this was his first title in 164 starts on the PGA Tour. Entering the final round on
Sunday, the three-time runner-up on the tour had just a 2 shot lead over the field but was able
to hang on for the win.
Dufner called his win a "great wedding present" for himself and his fiancee -- who are getting married next weekend. He commented that, "[Weddings are] a little more expensive than I thought or had imagined. ...It'll be a big celebration not only for our marriage but also for my first victory out on the tour."
Luke Donald shot a 67 to finish in third place at 17 under, and moved past Rory McIlroy for the #1 spot in the official world golf ranking. Defending Zurich Classic champ and 2012 Masters winner Bubba Watson shot a 65 on Saturday, but finished tied for
18th place at -11.
Final Leaderboard
Photo credit: Derick E. Hingle/US Presswire