Q&A: Dufner on Thai food and his wildest golf dream

 

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of Q&As with the 22 Nationwide Tour graduates. In this edition, PGATOUR.com’s Dave Lagarde spoke with Jason Dufner, winner of the 2006 LaSalle Bank Open, who regained his PGA TOUR card for 2007 when he finished eighth on the Nationwide Tour money list.

PGATOUR.com: Tell me three things not related to golf that you consider must-dos before you’re on the wrong side of the divot?

DUFNER: Get married, having children and traveling the world.

PGATOUR.com: What is your wildest golf dream?

DUFNER: Playing the game at its highest level and being competitive with the world’s best.

PGATOUR.com: What aspect of the Nationwide Tour will you miss most next season?

DUFNER: Being able to know where to stay, where to eat and just being comfortable with the different cities we traveled to.

PGATOUR.com: What was your welcome-to-professional-golf moment?

DUFNER: Playing Torrey Pines in 2004 and having no idea how I was going to get close to any of the hole locations.

PGATOUR.com: You’ve been granted a 60-minute sit-down with any figure in the world of golf, living or dead. What’s your first question -- and to whom would you address it?

DUFNER: It would be Ben Hogan and my question would be: How did you find the strength to accomplish the things you did coming from such humble beginnings?

PGATOUR.com: Describe the menu, from soup to nuts, of your next title celebration dinner. And name the wine pairings.

DUFNER: Probably some sort of Thai food. I really enjoy it. And I don’t drink wine so I have no idea about that.

PGATOUR.com: Name five songs in your iPod.

DUFNER: Smack That by Akon. Poppin’ My Collar by 3 Six Mafia, Walk the Line by Johnny Cash, Woman by Wolfmother. and Lover Boy by Billy Ocean.

PGATOUR.com: Other than winning a tournament, what would make next year a success?

DUFNER: Being physically and mentally ready to play each week. If I can do that everything should take care of itself.

PGATOUR.com: The first time you're paired with Tiger, what would you say to break the ice?

DUFNER: I’d probably just wait for him to break the ice. I’m not sure what I could say to the No. 1 in the world.

PGATOUR.com: Who would you most like to hit balls next to, and why?

DUFNER: Charles Howell III because it is the most impressive sound I’ve ever heard when his club makes contact with the ball.