American Jason Dufner is already considering returning to compete next year on the European Tour’s Middle East Swing.
Dufner is targeting a top-three finish after muscling his way up the board with a 67 on day three of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Jason Dufner makes a move with 67 on day three of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
The double PGA Tour winner, and a member of last year’s losing USA Ryder Cup side, posted six birdies over his opening 11 holes and with his only bogey coming at par three, 13th.
It had been the 13th on Thursday when Dufner found himself the centre of interest by a group of visiting Manchester United superstars including star striker, Wayne Rooney.
A week ago in Abu Dhabi Dufner showed his fondness for the UAE desert designed course managing a share of ninth place.
Now the Alabama golfer is looking to better that result in Saturday’s finish here in Doha.
“It was a little bit better today as I got off to a better start to be 6-under through 11 but I just stalled from there,” he said.
“I struggled with my putter these three days out here but I’ve been working on it a good bit and starting to feel a bit better and today was a nice improvement.
“So if the putter can get hot for all 18 holes tomorrow, instead of eight, nine or 10 holes then I can maybe put in a low score and put some heat on these guys.”
After now after visits to Abu Dhabi and Doha, Dufner has liked what he’s seen.
“It’s been nice and the people have been great,” he said.
“The tournaments are well run and it’s a good place to come over and play for a couple of weeks.
“So yes, I would consider coming over here again but it will depend on how my schedule matches up at the beginning of next year.
“Then I will not want to miss the first event of the year at Maui and of course, next year is a Ryder Cup year so I really won’t get any qualifying points towards the US team coming over here.
“But I will serious consider coming back here as I’ve enjoyed my time over here in this part of the world.”
