Interview: Jason Dufner

Even as he tapped in the winning putt, Jason Dufner’s facial expression never wavered. As hundreds of people around the green jumped up and cheered, the unassuming American’s only reaction to winning his first major championship at Oak Hill was an understated fist pump. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Behind his almost vacant exterior lies a driven and passionate man who’s worked incredibly hard to become a multiple PGA Tour winner and major champion. We sat down with Dufner to discover what makes Mr Calm tick.

You’re a rather serious player on the course – why?
“I’ve always felt I’ve had a chip on my shoulder. Nobody’s ever really given me much credit for what I’ve done. So that kind of motivates me a bit. I’ve worked really hard. But you never know what you can achieve until you do it. You have thoughts and dreams of where you want to be but you’ve gotta execute.” 

You always seem so cool and calm under pressure. Do you ever feel it?
“Not really. I mean you know it’s happening but I’ve been in situations where I’ve won events and lost events and it’s felt pretty much the same to me. But the game is always frustrating. Every week you’re frustrated to be honest with you, and it’s a balance of how well you can manage that.” 

How important was your near miss in the 2011 US PGA to your victory last year?
“It gave me the confidence that I was doing the right things. It was the first time I was really in the hunt for a major. But I felt like if I kept doing what I was doing then good things would come from that. I think sometimes when you fall on your face you learn more about yourself. I think it just made me tougher and stronger in the end.”

What else have you learned on tour that helped you become a major winner?
“The only thing you can really control is the effort you put in and the consistency of how you’re working. You have to keep getting better at the things you’re bad at. The mental part just sort of comes and goes. Sometimes you feel good and sometimes you don’t.” 

What is the key to doing well in Majors?
“Other than Augusta, we don’t really get to play the courses much. So getting a good look at the course and knowing what it will yield that week is key. Knowing what shots you need and how you’re going to play it. It becomes pretty pivotal in your preparation. I try to play as much as I can on the given course so I get comfortable. I will try to get there on the Tuesday or Wednesday before tournament week.”

How long have you been taking this approach to the Majors?
“I’ve been using this philosophy for three years now. My coach (Chuck Cook) and I felt it was a good idea to be best prepared.”

What makes you such a consistent player?
“It’s from being good with my practice and dedicated to it. When I need to work, I work. I’m confident in what I’m doing, which leads me to not have any questions when I’m playing tournament golf, especially when I’m in the hunt. You’ve put the work in and you’ve been consistent with your shots, so there’s not too many question marks, especially when you’re playing well.” 

How does Augusta set up for you?
“It sets up pretty good for me. But you’ve got to learn a lot about that course, there’s a lot of nuances to it, a lot of angles. And the greens are a good study too. I’m getting there. Hopefully I’ll get it figured out.”