Date: October 16, 2012
Author: Michael Huguenin, Omnisport

Dufner ready for tough test

Jason Dufner believes the Lake Karrinyup Country Club will test every aspect of golf during the Perth International this week. Having played the front nine and the back nine over separate days, Dufner believes he has a decent understanding of the course and has claimed players will be forced to use &apostheir full bag&apos during the four days in Perth. With the grass kept short around the greens and plenty of run-off areas, similar to other Australian courses Dufner has played at, the 35-year-old American expects an accurate short game will be crucial. “A little bit of everything on the golf course,” Dufner said on Tuesday. “A lot of the players will be using their full bag off the tees and into the greens, and then a little creativity around the greens definitely.” The world number 10 believes the course&aposs layout may force a bit of conservative play. “There&aposs going to be times where maybe you&aposre a little in between yardages or not comfortable with where a hole location is, and not practice so much and play a little bit more conservative, because you can get in some bad spots around the greens where you&aposre not going to be able to get the ball up and down or save par when you miss shots,” Dufner said. “I think the short game is going to be a big key this week because you&aposre going to miss greens, and balls are going to go 20, 30 yards away from hole locations.” Dufner has played in Australia a handful of times and revealed he is looking forward to the inaugural Perth International, which starts on Thursday as part of the European Tour. Having won two titles this year, Dufner is expected to be one of the favourites at the tournament and claimed his regular trips to play outside the USA have helped develop his game. “I think you experience different golf courses, different styles of play, makes you better, tests your game,” Dufner said. “This golf course is a lot different than what we see in the States. “Same thing when I go to Asia, a lot different than what we see in the States. “I think it makes you a better golfer.”