Dufner back from injury at the Perth International - PGA of Australia

Dufner back from injury at the Perth International


American Jason Dufner is set to tee up at the ISPS Handa PerthInternational this week after being sidelined with a neck injury.

American Jason Dufner is set to tee up at the ISPS Handa PerthInternational this week after being sidelined with a neck injury.

"JasonHaving arrived in Perth, Western Australia on Saturday Dufner is happy to be back playing golf after not playing a competitive round since August.

"I love coming over to Australia and playing some golf.  The courses are good, the competition is good, and the people of Australia really enjoy their golf," said Dufner.

"I feel much better physically.  I feel a little bit rested mentally.  I’m excited to get back to playing some competitive golf over the next month or so."

So what did Dufner do in his break? According to the 2013 PGA Champion, he totally removed him self from the game.

"I totally detached myself from golf during that point. I wasn’t too interested in golf or what was going on in the golfing world during that time period. I didn’t watch one minute of the Ryder Cup," added Dufner.

 "I got into a lot of different things.  I don’t think you get to appreciate things too much, as far as the simple things in life, when we’re always out here traveling and playing."

"It was disappointing that I was injured, but it wasn’t miserable for me."

Dufner finished runner-up at the inaugural Perth International in 2012 but has little expectations this week, citing playing without pain would be an achievement.

"I haven’t played competitive golf in 11 weeks.  I don’t have that many expectations," said Dufner.

"I feel like if Ican play 18 holes without any pain, that’ll be a good thing.  Get rolling in the right direction again."

Playing well this week would certainly be a good confidence boost as Dufner heads into three consecutive weeks of tournament golf.

"I think it would be a great starting point for me. I’ve had some experience here at this golf course.  I’ve played pretty well last time I was here," added Dufner.

"If I come out and contend and have a chance to win on Sunday, I would feel pretty good about the direction I’m going with my health and obviously with my game."

The ISPS Handa Perth International is being played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from the23-26th October.

Played for AU$1.75 millionits is Australia’s richest professional golf tournament and the only one co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour.


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