The 36 year old morphed from an internet sports celebrity to major-championship winner with his victory in the US PGA Championship. Steve Elling introduces us to Jason Dufner.
From cult hero to plain heroOver the summer, a photo of a visit that Dufner made to an American elementary school went viral, prompting hundreds of internet photos from fans and sports figures alike who mimicked his slouching, slumping, dazed expression when the shot was taken. It was quickly dubbed "Dufnering," and it took on a life of its own. "I got a lot of fans because of it, and people identified me through it and that was good," he said.
Unlikely targetDufner, who had two wins on the PGA Tour and played on the Ryder Cup team last year, is an unassuming guy who hardly looks like an athlete, with chewing tobacco in his lower lip and a roundish midsection. But he was the best player at Oak Hill, winning the season's final major with a 2-under 68 and jumping to world No 8.
Unusual trajectoryAfter moving to South Florida at 14, Dufner was all but adopted on the golf course by National Football League legend Dan Marino, a scratch player. Marino was a member of Dufner's home club and gave the teenager a set of clubs, helping to hasten Dufner's developmental track. Dufner enrolled at Auburn, became a solid college player and was a late bloomer as a professional.
Final round to rememberDufner's play was jaw-dropping in execution. His tee shots were like lasers, and he three times knocked approach shots to tap-in range. "Hoganesque," Luke Donald tweeted. "Best ball-striking display we have seen for years," former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy added.
Unusual catDufner has a disaffected and laconic nature, and comes across as a schlub. In fact, he has a degree in economics and a wry sense of humour. Former player and college roommate Roland Thatcher said in a recent interview: "You've got to get to know him." After his victory, more people will.