Zurich Classic 2012: Ernie Els, Jason Dufner Tied For Lead On Back Nine

A spectacular front nine from Ernie Els has him tied with Jason Dufner at 19-under on the tournament in New Orleans. With Els through 11 and Dufner through 10, both are three clear of a pack that includes Luke Donald.

Dufner came into the day with a lead at 17-under and was mediocre to start the day, playing par golf for five holes before bogeying on the sixth. But he turned it around with birdies on three of his next four holes. Els has been spectacular, with three birdies and an eagle to have him tied with Dufner.

Trailing the leaders at 16-under are Donald, Cameron Tringate, Ryan Palmer, and Steve Stricker. Donald is four-under on the day, including a 50-foot chip for birdie on 11, putting him in contention after some rather uninspiring performances from the world’s second-ranked golfer.