British Open 2011: Tiger Woods’ Injury Opens Door For Jason Dufner

Time and time again, we hear the sentiment said: one man’s loss is another man’s opportunity. Of course, what that particular man does when that particular opportunity arrives is a different story, but rest assured, Jason Dufner plans to make the most of his.

Mired by a long up-and-down career, Dufner never could quite find the chance to make his big break. After a nine year stretch in which the golfer qualified for just four major tournaments -- and only placed in two, with his best finish coming in 2006 when he tied for 40th at the U.S. Open -- Dufner was facing a slump for the ages.

However, as the decade began anew, everything would change for the Cleveland native. Refocused and reenergized by a year that saw him finish in 33rd on the money list, Dufner qualified for each of 2010’s four majors, in the process recording three of the best finishes of his life. He capped off the year with the greatest performance of his career, streaking up the leaderboard to stun everyone with a 5th place finish at the PGA Championship. Dufner’s time had come.

With the onset of 2011, the American appeared poised to take his game to the next level. Dufner opened the year strong, nearly winning his first PGA tour event at the Waste Management Phoenix Open before losing in a playoff to Mark Wilson. Following that abrupt disappointment, everything began to spiral downward for the 34-year old.

After failing to qualify for The Masters, Dufner was unable to clear an early cut at the U.S. Open. The situation only compounded itself after he failed to qualify for next week’s British Open. He had traveled backwards, it seemed. All the progress lost; all the momentum gone.

But now, with the exit of Tiger Woods, Dufner will get the big break he so badly wanted. Given the spot at the British Open vacated by the sport’s greatest titan, he surely can’t help but wonder.

The power of the underdog is an amazing thing. Doubt is the great equalizer. Please don’t be shocked to look up at the leaderboard on July 14th and see that Clevelander has taken advantage of his opportunity.

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