Jason Dufner
Jason Christopher Dufner (born March 24, 1977) is an American professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour, where he has secured five victories, including his sole major championship at the 2013 PGA Championship.[1][2] Known for his unflappable demeanor and precise iron play, Dufner reached a career-high world ranking of sixth in September 2012 and has amassed over $28 million in career earnings.[2][1] He represented the United States in the 2012 Ryder Cup and the 2013 Presidents Cup, contributing to the US team's victory in the latter.[2] Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dufner's family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when he was 14 years old, prompting him to take up golf at age 15.[3] He walked on to the Auburn University golf team, where he won three collegiate tournaments and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1997.[1] After turning professional in 2000, Dufner initially competed on the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour), claiming his first professional win in 2001, before earning full PGA Tour status in 2009.[2][1] Dufner's breakthrough on the PGA Tour came in 2012 with wins at the HP Byron Nelson Championship and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, followed by his dramatic major triumph at Oak Hill Country Club in 2013, where he finished two strokes ahead of Jim Furyk.[2] He added further titles at the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge and the 2017 Memorial Tournament, showcasing consistent top-10 finishes, including 47 across his career.[2] In recognition of his contributions to golf, Dufner was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.[1]Early years
Early life
Jason Dufner was born on March 24, 1977, in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Frank Dufner and Barbara Schultz.[4][5] The family relocated to Olmsted Falls, a suburb of Cleveland, when he was 18 months old, where they resided until Dufner was 11 years old.[4] At that point, following his parents' divorce, Dufner and his mother lived in Washington, D.C., for three years before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 14.[4][6] In Fort Lauderdale, Dufner attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School.[4] Growing up in Northeast Ohio instilled in him strong interests in athletics beyond golf, particularly as a devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians from a young age.[4] Dufner's father, Frank, played a pivotal role in encouraging his involvement in sports and introduced him to golf, which Dufner began pursuing seriously around age 15 after the move to Florida.[4][3] His mother, Barbara, provided steadfast support throughout his early endeavors, fostering his determination in the face of family transitions.[4] This foundational exposure to the sport during his teenage years laid the groundwork for his later pursuit of competitive golf in college.[7]Amateur career
Dufner honed his golf skills during high school at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he emerged as an established player on the team.[6] Upon graduating in 1995, Dufner enrolled at Auburn University, joining the Tigers' golf team as a walk-on from 1995 to 1999. Over the course of his collegiate career, he competed in numerous events, securing three individual tournament victories and earning recognition as an Honorable Mention All-American in 1997, as well as All-SEC honors multiple times.[1][8][2] These accomplishments highlighted Dufner's growing prowess and consistency, culminating in his decision to turn professional in 2000 after earning his degree from Auburn. He immediately set his sights on gaining entry to the PGA Tour, making several attempts at Qualifying School in the ensuing years.[2][9]Professional career
Early professional years (2004–2010)
Dufner turned professional in 2000 after graduating from Auburn University, facing early challenges as he competed on various mini-tours and the Canadian Tour. These initial years were marked by financial and competitive struggles, building resilience from his amateur background that would later aid his professional persistence.[10][1] He joined the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) in 2004, where he finished 8th on the money list with $199,279. His first victory on the tour came in 2001 at the Buy.com Wichita Open. In 2006, he won the LaSalle Bank Open. These successes contributed to approximately $1.4 million in career earnings on the tour and highlighted his gradual enhancement in driving accuracy, rising from the lower ranks to more competitive finishes.[11][12] In 2009, Dufner earned his PGA Tour card through success at Q-School. His 2010 debut season featured 22 starts, with a standout T3 finish at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans as his lone top-10 result, earning $760,827 overall. This period solidified his transition to the top level, setting the stage for future breakthroughs.[13][14]Breakthrough and major win (2011–2013)
In 2011, Dufner experienced his first significant breakthrough on the PGA Tour during the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, where he entered the final round with a five-stroke lead after shooting rounds of 70-65-68. Despite a final-round 69 that included bogeys on three of the last four holes, he forced a three-hole playoff with Keegan Bradley after both finished at 8-under-par 272; Bradley won the playoff with a birdie on the third extra hole, leaving Dufner as runner-up in his first major contention. This performance marked a turning point, highlighting Dufner's ball-striking prowess and positioning him for greater success amid prior struggles on the developmental tours. The following year, 2012, saw Dufner secure his first two PGA Tour victories in quick succession, elevating his status among the tour's elite. On April 29 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, he captured his maiden PGA Tour title by defeating Ernie Els in a two-hole playoff at TPC Louisiana, finishing at 19-under 269 after a final-round 70. Just three weeks later, on May 20, Dufner won the HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons, draining a 25-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole for a one-stroke victory over D.A. Points at 12-under 276. These triumphs propelled him into the FedEx Cup playoffs, where he finished fifth overall, and entered the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first of 50 consecutive weeks. Dufner's momentum carried into 2013, culminating in his first major championship victory at the PGA Championship held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. After opening with a 68, he tied the major championship record with a second-round 63, taking a two-stroke lead into the weekend; he followed with a 71 and closed with a 68 to finish at 10-under 270, two strokes ahead of Jim Furyk despite bogeys on the final two holes. This win, his third on the PGA Tour, not only redeemed his 2011 collapse but solidified his reputation as a consistent performer in high-stakes events, boosting his OWGR to a career-high sixth place in September 2013 and maintaining his top-10 status throughout the year.Continued success (2014–2018)
Following his 2013 PGA Championship victory, Dufner maintained competitive form on the PGA Tour in 2014, achieving three top-10 finishes despite challenges with his putting stroke, where he ranked 170th in strokes gained putting. Notable results included a runner-up finish at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, lost in a playoff to Adam Scott after both finished at 8-under par. He ended the season 90th in the FedEx Cup standings with 798 points and earned $2,120,795.[15][16][17][18] In 2015, Dufner experienced a winless season but demonstrated consistency, making 18 of 23 cuts and posting several mid-pack finishes in majors and regular events, which contributed to year-end earnings of $825,687 and a world ranking of 134th.[18][19] Dufner's form rebounded in 2016 with his fourth PGA Tour victory at the CareerBuilder Challenge, where he defeated David Lingmerth in a two-hole playoff after both posted a tournament-record 22-under par total; this marked his first win since the 2013 PGA Championship. He also contended in majors, tying for eighth at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club with rounds of 73-71-68-70 for 282 (+2). These results propelled him to $2,986,715 in earnings and a 61st-place finish in the Official World Golf Ranking.[20][21][18][19] The following year, 2017, saw Dufner secure his fifth PGA Tour title at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, rallying from a third-round 77 to win by three strokes at 13-under par 275, becoming the second Ohio-born champion of the event alongside host Jack Nicklaus. He maintained elite status with a year-end world ranking of 40th and earnings of $3,179,974.[22][19][18] Dufner's performance dipped in 2018 amid a form slump, with no victories, just 13 cuts made in 25 starts, and earnings of $1,468,794, placing him 119th in the world rankings; this marked his lowest output since 2008. By season's end, his cumulative PGA Tour earnings exceeded $20 million.[23][18][19] A signature element of Dufner's public persona during this era was the enduring "Dufnering" meme, sparked by a March 2013 photo of him slouching against a wall at a charity event and amplified during his T5 finish at the 2013 Open Championship, symbolizing his relaxed demeanor while evolving into a lighthearted golf culture staple emulated by players and fans alike.[24][25]Later career (2019–present)
Following his strong run in the mid-2010s, Jason Dufner's performance on the PGA Tour began to decline in 2019, with earnings totaling $868,512 across 27 starts, marking a significant drop from previous years.[18] He made the cut in 15 events but struggled in majors, finishing T35 at the U.S. Open while missing the cut at the PGA Championship.[26] The 2020 season was further hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the tour schedule and limited opportunities; Dufner earned just $306,781 in 13 starts, missing the cut in multiple events including the PGA Championship.[18][27] From 2021 to 2023, Dufner relied heavily on his past champion status to gain entry into majors and select tournaments, as his form did not consistently qualify him through standard exemptions. His earnings fluctuated, reaching $505,269 in 2021 over 20 starts and dipping to $118,175 in 2022 across 22 events, before rebounding slightly to $525,091 in 2023 with 25 starts.[18] Best results during this period included a T20 at the 2023 3M Open, but he missed cuts in all four majors each year, with his Official World Golf Ranking falling outside the top 200 by late 2023.[28][29] In 2024 and 2025, Dufner adopted a more selective schedule, prioritizing fewer but familiar events amid ongoing challenges with consistency. He played only 8 tournaments in 2025 through early November, earning $44,625 and posting a best finish of T30 at the Procore Championship. His sole major appearance that year was the PGA Championship, where he missed the cut after rounds of 78 and 77.[30] No victories have come since 2017, and while Dufner remains active on the PGA Tour without announcing retirement plans, he has noted approaching eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions at age 50 in 2027.[31] His career earnings now exceed $28 million.[14]Playing style
Swing and technique
Jason Dufner's golf swing is renowned for its smooth tempo and emphasis on balance, favoring precision and consistency over explosive power. Often described as Hogan-esque, his motion features a controlled takeaway where the right wrist remains relatively flat, minimizing excessive hinging to promote a repeatable path. This approach allows for a relatively flat swing plane, with the club traveling along a straight line governed by shoulder action, enabling reliable ball-striking under pressure.[32][33][34] A key strength in Dufner's technique lies in his putting and short game control, where he excels at managing speed and trajectory for consistent results. During his breakthrough years, he ranked 80th in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour in 2012, contributing significantly to his early victories, though his performance varied in subsequent seasons. His short game finesse, particularly around the greens, relies on soft arms and body pivot for dialed-in distances, as demonstrated in instructional insights where he advocates progressive swing sizing for chips.[15][35][36] Despite these assets, Dufner's swing has notable limitations, including below-average driving distance, with a career average of around 285 yards, necessitating a heavy reliance on accuracy off the tee. In 2013, for instance, his driving distance averaged 285.9 yards while prioritizing fairway hits to set up scoring opportunities. Post-2013, following a neck injury that sidelined him during the 2014 PGA Championship defense, Dufner evolved his approach by incorporating gym work and lifestyle changes to build strength, enhance swing speed, and reduce bodily stress for injury prevention. This included cutting sugars and alcohol to improve overall durability, allowing him to maintain his balanced technique longer into his career.[37][38][39][40][41]Equipment and endorsements
Jason Dufner has been a long-time user of Titleist equipment, beginning his association with the brand around 2009 and continuing until 2018, during which he relied on their clubs for his major victories, including the 2013 PGA Championship.[42][43] His setup featured Titleist Vokey Design wedges for short-game precision and a Scotty Cameron putter, which complemented his steady stroke. He also played the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball throughout this period, favoring its consistent performance around the greens.[44][45] In late 2018, Dufner became an equipment free agent after parting ways with Titleist, leading to a multi-year partnership with Cobra Golf announced in November 2019.[42] This deal shifted his bag to Cobra woods and irons, such as the King F9 Speedback driver initially, while he retained the Titleist Pro V1 ball into 2025. By October 2025, his setup included a Cobra DS-Adapt X driver (10.5 degrees, adjusted to 10.3) with an Ovvio Green 5 X prototype shaft, a Cobra DS-Adapt X 3-wood and 7-wood, a Cobra King Tec hybrid (22 degrees), and Cobra 3DP Tour irons (5-PW) with Project X shafts, paired with Cobra Snakebite wedges (50, 56, and 60 degrees). He switched to an L.A.B. Golf DF2.1 putter in 2025, gripped with a SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0.[46][47] For apparel, Dufner wore Nike gear during the brand's active golf sponsorship era until its apparel division wound down in 2016, after which he transitioned to Vineyard Vines in a 2015 brand ambassador deal that featured their preppy clothing line.[48] By 2019, he partnered with DUDE Products, displaying their logo on his hat and sleeve, and in 2021 signed a multi-year endorsement with Union Home Mortgage. Currently, as part of the Cobra Golf family under Puma, he wears Puma apparel on course.[49][50][51] In his later career, Dufner has made equipment adjustments for added distance and versatility, such as incorporating a 22-degree hybrid into his bag alongside fairway woods to navigate longer courses more effectively. His career off-course earnings from endorsements total approximately $2.1 million, with major deals from Cobra and earlier Titleist partnerships providing the bulk of that income.[52][53]Personal life
Family and relationships
Jason Dufner met Amanda Boyd in 2009 through mutual friends at Auburn University, where she was a former college golfer.[54] The couple married on May 5, 2012, in an outdoor ceremony in Auburn, Alabama.[55] During their marriage, Amanda provided significant support for Dufner's career, frequently attending tournaments and accompanying him on the PGA Tour to help maintain work-life balance.[56] She was notably present at the 2013 PGA Championship, where Dufner celebrated his major victory with an affectionate embrace on the 18th green.[57] The Dufners separated on February 17, 2015, after nearly three years of marriage, citing an irretrievable breakdown.[58] Amanda filed for divorce on March 6, 2015, and the couple reached an amicable settlement on March 31, 2015, with Dufner agreeing to a $2.5 million payment and retaining ownership of their homes in Auburn.[59] The split was described as uncontested, allowing both parties to move forward without prolonged legal conflict.[60] As of 2025, Dufner has not publicly remarried, and no additional details on current relationships are available from reputable sources. His family background includes roots in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born, before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at age 14; he maintains ties to relatives in Northeast Ohio.[10]Interests and philanthropy
Jason Dufner is a dedicated fan of Auburn University athletics, particularly football, having graduated from the institution where he was a walk-on golfer. As an alumnus, he has frequently engaged with the Auburn community, including speaking to the football team in 2013 to share insights on perseverance and success.[61][62] Dufner's low-key demeanor has become a defining aspect of his public persona, often characterized by a calm, unemotional approach that contrasts with the high-energy world of professional golf. This trait gained widespread attention in 2013 when a photograph of him slouching against a wall during a visit to a youth center in Dallas, Texas, went viral, spawning the "Dufnering" meme where fans imitated his relaxed pose across social media platforms.[63][24][64] In philanthropy, Dufner established the Jason Dufner Foundation in 2013, a nonprofit organization based in Auburn, Alabama, dedicated to combating childhood hunger in Lee County. The foundation provides weekend food bags to more than 1,400 children facing food insecurity during the school year through partnerships like Our House, a local resource for families.[65][56][66][10] Annual events such as the Celebrity Golf Classic have raised significant funds, including over $120,000 in its inaugural year, to sustain these initiatives while fostering community involvement in East Alabama.[56][67] Dufner resides in Auburn, Alabama, where he maintains a relatively private lifestyle away from the spotlight of professional golf, with limited personal activity on social media despite having an account to share updates on his Auburn fandom. Following his 2015 divorce from Amanda Boyd, he has continued to prioritize community contributions through his foundation while keeping family matters out of the public eye.[10][62][58]Professional achievements
PGA Tour wins
Jason Dufner has secured five victories on the PGA Tour, all in stroke-play formats, with two decided in playoffs. These triumphs highlight his consistent ball-striking and composure under pressure, spanning from his breakthrough season to a resurgence later in his career. His wins earned him significant prize money, contributing to his overall career earnings exceeding $28 million on the tour.[2] Dufner's first PGA Tour title came at the 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, held at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. After 163 prior starts without a victory, he posted rounds of 67-65-67-70 to finish at 19-under-par 269, tying Ernie Els and forcing a playoff. On the second extra hole, the par-4 18th, Dufner birdied after Els bogeyed, securing the $1,152,000 winner's share from a $6.5 million purse. This emotional breakthrough propelled him into the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.[68][69] Less than a month later, Dufner defended his rising form by winning the 2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons in Irving, Texas. He carded 67-66-69-67 for an 11-under-par total of 269, one stroke ahead of Dicky Pride. The victory, highlighted by a clutch 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole, earned him $1,170,000 from a $6.5 million purse and vaulted him to the top of the FedExCup standings. This second win in three starts marked him as a legitimate contender heading into the FedExCup Playoffs.[70][71] Dufner's third PGA Tour success was his only major championship victory, at the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. He finished at 10-under-par 270, two strokes clear of Jim Furyk, with a final-round 68 that included steady par play amid challenging conditions. The win netted $1,445,000 from an $8 million purse and established him as a major champion, though detailed narrative coverage appears in the major championships section.[72][73] After a three-year drought, Dufner captured his fourth title at the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, played across three courses in La Quinta, California, culminating at PGA West's TPC Stadium Course. He shot 65-69-67-70 for a 25-under-par 263, tying David Lingmerth and advancing to a playoff. Dufner parred the second extra hole (the par-4 18th) after Lingmerth bogeyed, claiming the $1,044,000 first-place check from a $5.8 million purse. This comeback victory followed a period of injuries and form struggles, signaling a return to elite contention.[20][74] His most recent PGA Tour win occurred at the 2017 Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Dufner navigated two rain delays in the final round, firing a 4-under 68 to reach 13-under-par 275, three strokes ahead of Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Adam Scott. The $1,566,000 winner's share from an $8.7 million purse made him the only Ohio-born champion of the event, alongside host Jack Nicklaus, and provided a morale boost after another injury-impacted stretch.[22][75]Other professional wins
Dufner's first professional victory came in 2001 at the Buy.com Wichita Open on the Nationwide Tour, where he finished at 22-under par to win by three strokes ahead of David Gossett, Jeff Gove, and Todd Fischer. The win earned him $76,500 and propelled him to 21st on the season's money list, marking an early highlight in his developmental career.[76] After several years fluctuating between the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour, Dufner secured his second Nationwide Tour title in 2006 at the LaSalle Bank Open, closing with a 1-under 70 for a total of 5-under 279 and a one-stroke victory over Cliff Kresge.[77] This triumph, worth $135,000, elevated him to third on the money list at that point and contributed to his eighth-place finish for the year, earning him full PGA Tour status for 2007.[78] In addition to his developmental tour successes, Dufner claimed a team victory in 2015 at the Franklin Templeton Shootout, partnering with Brandt Snedeker to finish at 30-under par, two strokes ahead of the field, highlighted by an 11-under 61 in the final scramble round.[79] The pair split the $770,000 winner's purse, with each receiving $385,000, in this unofficial PGA Tour event co-sanctioned with the event's organizers.[80]Major championships
Tournament results timeline
The following table summarizes Jason Dufner's finishes in the four major championships from 2004 to 2025. Finishes are denoted as "1" for first place (win), "T" followed by the position for ties, "CUT" for missed cuts, and "DNP" for did not play. He has made 8 appearances in the Masters Tournament (5 cuts made), 11 in the U.S. Open (8 cuts made), 8 in The Open Championship (7 cuts made), and 15 in the PGA Championship (7 cuts made), with one win (2013 PGA Championship) and six top-10 finishes across all majors.[28]| Year | Masters Tournament | U.S. Open | The Open Championship | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2005 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2006 | DNP | T40 | DNP | DNP |
| 2007 | DNP | 62 | DNP | DNP |
| 2008 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2009 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2010 | T30 | T33 | DNP | T5 |
| 2011 | DNP | CUT | CUT | 2 |
| 2012 | T24 | T4 | T31 | T27 |
| 2013 | T20 | T4 | T26 | 1 |
| 2014 | CUT | CUT | T51 | DNP |
| 2015 | T49 | T18 | T58 | T68 |
| 2016 | CUT | T8 | T22 | T60 |
| 2017 | T33 | CUT | T14 | T58 |
| 2018 | CUT | T25 | T51 | CUT |
| 2019 | DNP | T35 | DNP | CUT |
| 2020 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2021 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2022 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2023 | DNP | DNP | DNP | DNP |
| 2024 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
| 2025 | DNP | DNP | DNP | CUT |
Performance summary
Jason Dufner has made 42 appearances in major championships across his professional career, achieving a 64% cut-making rate with 27 successful weekends. His average finish in those made cuts during his most competitive years (roughly 2010–2017) hovered around 25th place, reflecting consistent contention without frequent elite contention beyond his peak period.[28][26] Dufner's major highlight is his sole victory at the 2013 PGA Championship, where he finished two strokes ahead of Jim Furyk at Oak Hill Country Club, carding a tournament-total of 10-under par. He secured three additional top-5 finishes: tied for fifth at the 2010 PGA Championship, second place at the 2011 PGA Championship after losing a playoff to Keegan Bradley, tied for fourth at the 2012 U.S. Open at Olympic Club, and tied for fourth at the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club. These results underscore his strong ball-striking in majors during his mid-career prime, though his overall win rate stands at 2.4% (1 win in 42 starts). Breaking down performance by major, Dufner's best result at the Masters Tournament was a tied for 20th in 2013, with five cuts made in eight appearances and no top-10 finishes. In the U.S. Open, he posted his strongest showings with two top-5s (both T4 in 2012 and 2013) across 11 starts, making eight cuts overall. At The Open Championship, his peak was a T14 in 2017 amid eight appearances and seven cuts made, lacking any top-10s. The PGA Championship proved his most successful venue, yielding the 2013 win, the 2011 runner-up, and the 2010 T5 in 15 outings, though only seven cuts made. Since 2018, Dufner has not recorded a top-10 finish in majors, with three cuts made in 10 appearances (T25 at the 2018 U.S. Open, T51 at the 2018 Open Championship, and T35 at the 2019 U.S. Open), relying primarily on his lifetime exemption as a past major champion to maintain entry. This decline aligns with broader career challenges, including injuries and form dips, limiting his contention in later years.[28]Additional tournament results
The Players Championship
Jason Dufner has competed in The Players Championship 13 times between 2009 and 2021, with an additional appearance in 2025, totaling 14 starts in the event often dubbed the "fifth major" at TPC Sawgrass. His best performance occurred in 2018, when he finished tied for fifth at 13-under par with rounds of 72-69-66-68, earning $418,000 for the effort. That year, Dufner's consistent ball-striking and timely putting helped him stay in contention, though a three-putt on the 72nd hole cost him a chance at a higher placement and an additional $726,000 in prize money.[81] Earlier in his career, Dufner posted a tied for sixth finish in 2011, marking one of his strongest showings at the venue during a season where he also reached the PGA Championship playoff.[30] Other solid results include tied for 32nd in 2009 and tied for 49th in 2016, reflecting his ability to navigate the challenging Stadium Course. He has made the cut in 12 of his 14 appearances, with career earnings from the tournament of approximately $1.3 million as of 2025. Post-2018, however, Dufner's form at the event has waned, including a tied for 74th in 2019, missed cuts in 2021 and 2025 (where he stood at +4 after two rounds), and several other early exits.[82]World Golf Championships
Jason Dufner participated in numerous World Golf Championships (WGC) events during the peak of his professional career from 2011 to 2018, earning invitations based on his strong Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) position, which reached as high as No. 6 in 2012. These elite invitational tournaments provided high-value OWGR points that bolstered his career standing, with Dufner achieving multiple top-20 finishes that contributed to his sustained presence in the world's top 20 for over 50 weeks.[29] His strongest performance came at the 2012 WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, where he finished tied for second at 19-under par (269), carding a final-round 64 to challenge winner Ian Poulter, who edged him by two strokes; this result marked one of Dufner's closest brushes with a WGC title.[83] The following year, Dufner contended again at the 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, shooting rounds of 67-69-67-71 to end tied for fourth at 6-under par (274), highlighted by a third-round 67 that vaulted him into third place entering the final day.[84] In the WGC-Match Play Championship, Dufner made seven appearances between 2012 and 2018, compiling an overall record of 8 wins, 10 losses, and 1 tie in singles matches. His best results were reaching the round of 16 in both 2014 (defeating Matteo Manassero 2&1 and Scott Stallings on the 19th hole before a 1-up loss to Ernie Els) and 2018 (beating James Hahn 3&2 and Jason Day 3&1 prior to a 1-up defeat by Louis Oosthuizen).[85] Additional strong showings included a tie for 11th at the 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, where he posted a 3-under par total (285) with an opening-round 68 that placed him tied for fourth after day one.[86] Following a decline in his world ranking after the 2019 season, Dufner no longer qualified for the invitational WGC fields, ending his participation in these events.[2]Career overview
PGA Tour statistics
Jason Dufner has competed in 451 PGA Tour events from 2004 through the 2025 season, achieving 5 victories and 47 top-10 finishes.[2] His official career earnings total $28,351,950, while including earnings from majors brings the figure to approximately $29.8 million.[14][18] Dufner's most lucrative year was 2012, when he earned $4,869,304, finishing fourth on the money list.[87] Dufner has excelled in key strokes gained categories, ranking in the top 100 for driving accuracy in multiple seasons, including 34th in 2011.[88] In the FedEx Cup standings, his best finish was fourth in 2012; his exemption from the 2013 PGA Championship win expired after the 2017 season, and as of 2025 he competes via past champion status.[89][2][90]National team appearances
Jason Dufner represented the United States in three national team events during his career, competing in the Ryder Cup twice and the Presidents Cup once before additional appearances in 2016. His selections were bolstered by strong PGA Tour performances, including multiple victories that elevated his world ranking and team eligibility. In the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club, Dufner made his debut as a rookie and posted a 3-1-0 record over four matches. He partnered with Dustin Johnson in a pivotal fourball victory that contributed to early momentum for Team USA, alongside wins in foursomes with Zach Johnson and a singles triumph over Peter Hanson.[91] Dufner followed with an undefeated performance in the 2013 Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village Golf Club, going 4-0-0 while pairing exclusively with Zach Johnson for all team matches. Their successes included dominant wins in fourball and foursomes, helping secure a 19-14-1 victory for the U.S. team and highlighting Dufner's steady ball-striking in match play.[92][93] Returning for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, Dufner recorded a 1-3-0 mark amid Team USA's overall defeat. He showed resilience in team formats but struggled in singles against Rory McIlroy. Dufner concluded his team career at the 2016 Presidents Cup in South Korea, achieving a 2-2-1 record as the U.S. retained the cup with a 15.5-14.5 win. His balanced play, including a halve in foursomes, supported team morale through consistent contributions despite mixed outcomes.[94] Across these events, Dufner compiled a 10-6-1 overall record, with no further appearances after 2016 due to fluctuating form. His participation emphasized reliable partnership play that boosted U.S. team dynamics in high-pressure international competition.[95]| Event | Year | Venue | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryder Cup | 2012 | Medinah Country Club | 3-1-0 | Debut; key fourball win with Dustin Johnson |
| Presidents Cup | 2013 | Muirfield Village Golf Club | 4-0-0 | Undefeated; all wins with Zach Johnson |
| Ryder Cup | 2014 | Gleneagles | 1-3-0 | Team loss for USA |
| Presidents Cup | 2016 | Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea | 2-2-1 | USA retention; steady team support |