Visiting American Jason Dufner is quitely confident of success this week despite his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship caddy having to return to his normal job – as a pilot with Etihad Airlines.

Dufner’s regular caddy, Ken Baile has been unable to travel to the Middle East for the two opening events on the Middle East Swing due to visa problems.

So at the request of Dufner’s management team the National Golf Club, and venue for last week’s Abu Dhabi event, arranged for one of the club’s better players to caddy for the USA Ryder Cup star.

American Jason Dufner with Etihad Airlines pilot Brian Mullen caddying last week in Abu Dhabi. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Pilot Brian Mullen received his dream news while hittinng balls on the driving range earlier in the week.

“They told me Jason Dufner didn’t have a caddie and asked if I’d carry his bag,” said Mullen who plays off a handicap of plus one.

And after having caddied for Spaniards Carlos Rodilles and Jose Manuel Lara at previous championships, Mullen didn’t hesitate.

“I’d already said I was available if anybody needed a caddie and, yeah, it’s been unbelievable.”

Dufner carded rounds of  71, 69, 72 and 68 to share ninth place on eight under par.

It was a result that left Mullen very impressed.

“He’s a quality golfer and it’s not often you get the chance to caddie for a player like Jason and besides he’s also a nice guy,” said Dufner.

However with his regular caddy still stranded in North America Dufner will use Tour caddy, Mark Mazo to call the shots in this week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

And Mazo is no stranger to success having caddied for Welshman Rhys Davies in capturing the 2010 Hassan 11 Trophy.