Here are 5 things to know about Dufner’s win at Jack’s place:
O-H-I-O: Dufner, who was born in Cleveland, became just the second player from Ohio to win the Memorial, joining host Jack Nicklaus, who won in 1977 and 1984.
Dufner said he spent about 10 years in the state as a youngster. An Auburn University grad, he now lives in Alabama.
“It’s pretty good company to have,” Dufner said. “I’m excited to join that list and I’m proud that I’m from Ohio.”
Turn the page: Dufner became the first player since Nick Faldo in 1989 to shoot a third-round 77 and still win the tournament. Faldo's win came at the Masters.
“Obviously, (Saturday) wasn’t my best day. I was pretty disappointed, especially (with) how well I played the first two days. I thought I was in good control. But I had to get over it quick. It’s a 72-hole golf tournament and there are a lot of things that can happen out there and I knew I was still in the mix. I just needed to get myself together.”
Win No. 5: The win was Dufner's fifth PGA Tour victory, but his first since the CareerBuilder Challenge Jan. 24, 2016. His other three wins came in 2012 and 2013, including the 2013 PGA Championship.
Ball-striking on point: Dufner was first in the field in strokes gained: approach the green at +10.682. He made 21 birdies and two eagles in four rounds.
🏆— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) June 5, 2017So pumped for my dude @JasonDufner. Guess you can't retire for another 3 years at least!
Hanging with 20-somethings: Dufner credited the time he spent this winter with some of golf's young guns -- Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas -- in Jupiter, Fla. in reigniting his love for the game.
“I think it was good for me,” Dufner said. “There's been times where I've kind of gone—fallen in and out of love with golf, to be honest with you, as a professional.
“It was good to be around those guys, they're excited. They're passionate. They're working hard at it. They want to play good. They're hungry. They want to win tournaments.”
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