AVONDALE, La. – Is the wait for a maiden PGA Tour victory finally coming to an end for Jason Dufner?
Dufner shot 5-under 67 at TPC Louisiana on Saturday to take a two-shot lead entering the final round of the Zurich Classic.
For the first time in three tries this season, Dufner maintained a 36-hole lead at the end of the third round. While it is the second consecutive tournament in which he shot a Saturday 67, Dufner is not trying to put too much stock in his weekend struggles.
‘For me, it means instead of two good rounds I’ve had three good rounds, so maybe we can make it four starting tomorrow,’ he said.
Dufner’s third round included a 52-foot putt for birdie. It was part of a confidence-building opening stretch of 3-under golf in the first five holes.
‘I hit it to about 2, 3 feet on the first hole. So that got me going nice, and then made a couple long putts there on No. 4 and 5. That was probably a huge key to today. Maybe if I make a couple bogies at the start of the round or even par through some holes, maybe I start doubting myself again,’ he said.
The Auburn product loves the city and this tournament. His past success here buoyed him to start the week and has carried through three rounds.
‘When you come in a week that you know you played well a lot it gives you some confidence going forward,’ he said.
A win on Sunday would get Dufner off the schneid, which he admitted will be a fleeting thought as he prepares for Sunday. While the win would be welcomed, Dufner is equally pleased to find himself in this position so often.
‘I like both (winning and consistency). Right now a win would be great,’ he said.
‘I take pride in being consistent with my game. I don’t shoot too many high numbers. I don’t feel like I’m very far away from playing well each week. So, to me that’s a consistency that really does well out on the PGA Tour.’