USPGA: Jason Dufner admits nerves got the better of him on the final green
Jason Dufner reflected on missing a great chance to create major golf history after his 63 at the US PGA Championship.
Last Updated: 10/08/13 9:54am
The 36-year-old had a 12-foot putt on the final green to become the first player to shoot a 62 in any major tournament, but his tentative effort pulled up short.
The 2011 runner-up had to be content with a two-shot lead to take into the weekend, and he admitted feeling the pressure standing over that putt at 18.
"It's tough," said Dufner. "I showed a little bit of nerves there leaving it short. It's one you would like to gun and have a chance at history but it was probably the worst putt I hit all day, which is a little disappointing.
"But all in all it's a 63 and name on top of the leaderboard, so that's a great position to be playing from. To join history, to shoot a 63 in a major, pretty unbelievable.
"The history of the game is something that is dear to my heart. To be part of history is a neat accomplishment. I never thought a guy from north-east Ohio would be able to do these things. Hopefully it will propel me to a great weekend."
Dufner holed his approach to the second for an eagle two and raced to the turn in 31 before picking up further shots at 11, 13 and 16 before a 20-foot birdie putt at the 17th shaved the edge of the cup.
"I hit a great putt there," added Dufner. "I thought that one was going to go in. I didn't think the one on 18 was going to go in when it came off."