Jason Dufner in unfamiliar territory at Wells Fargo after stellar 63
Jason Dufner admits it’s been a while since he’s found himself leading a PGA Tour event, after shooting a stellar eight-under-par 63 at the Wells Fargo Championship.
The American, who shot to fame after winning the PGA Championship eight years ago, fired seven birdies and an eagle at Quail Hollow on Friday to take a one-shot lead over fellow Americans Joel Dahmen and Max Homa on 11 under par.
“It has been a while since I’ve been in the lead or competing for a tournament,” said Dufner, who currently finds himself down in 230th place in the world rankings.
“But I know what that feels like. I’m just going with it, you know?”
@JasonDufner is dropping putts from 40 feet. 🐦 pic.twitter.com/Hmb7citJsV
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 3, 2019
Dahmen shared the overnight lead with Rory McIlroy and managed to stay there or thereabouts courtesy of a second successive 66.
Homa, meanwhile, joined him in a share of second place after matching Dufner’s 63.
As for McIlroy, he still lies in fourth place albeit a full four shots behind Dahmen and Homa, and five behind Dufner, after following up his opening 66 with a far more sedate one-under 70.
It could have been better but the Northern Irishman had no luck on the greens and hardly sunk anything.
“You know, I turned a 66 into a 70,” he said. “Golf, it’s a funny game and these things happen.”
McIlroy shares fourth with former Masters champion Patrick Reed, one shot ahead of defending champion Jason Day (69), World No 2 Justin Rose (67), Irishman Seamus Power (68) and Pat Perez (68).
Jason Dufner tied his LOWEST career round Friday to secure the top spot @WellsFargoGolf.
Get caught up on Duf’s 6️⃣3️⃣ and more in The Takeaway. 👇 pic.twitter.com/5JA3hDLtPt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 4, 2019
The day belonged to Dufner, however, who matched the lowest round of his career after missing eight cuts in 15 prior tournaments so far this season.
He’s also on his fourth caddie of the year after parting with swing coach Chuck Cook.
“I think I’m on my fourth or fifth putter this year, I’m on my fourth or fifth driver, my fourth or fifth golf ball, fourth or fifth lob wedge,” Dufner said. “I’m trying to find stuff that’s going to work.”
“My window’s pretty short on my career,” said the 42-year-old. “I’ve probably got three or four more really good years left in me, so I’m not trying to be mediocre or average.”
Latest
-
Videos
WATCH: Young woman steps up confidently to drive – and loses club behind her
Golf’s influencer girls can make it look easy.
-
Equipment
Pros give their verdict on Callaway Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X balls
Callaway staffers have now had a good period of time to get used to their new ball offerings, the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X.
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.
-
Courses
Four of the best golf clubs to play in Singapore, a year-round golfing haven
Here we look at four golf clubs or resorts that sport at least two stunning courses.