La Quinta, CA – Who’s ready for a playoff? The fans of the CareerBuilder Challenge were treated to three playoffs on Sunday. The new 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation champion Jason Dufner (25-under-par 263) made his putt for par on the second playoff hole to be victorious over stiff competitor David Lingmerth (25-under-par 263). Along with the suspense of the other two NFL playoffs games happening elsewhere it was a great day to enjoy some great golf. This was the tournaments 20th time having a playoff after regulation play was left with a tie, while both golfers had their chances to win it on the 18th green.
Dufner held the lead after 36, 54 holes and was able to complete the weekend on top and receive the Bob Hope Memorial trophy from former president Bill Clinton. Most of the crowd stayed around the 18th green to hear his acceptance speech and host his newest trophy in the almost dark scene of greatness. Dufner was spoke on CBC weekend, “Yeah, the week is always a good week here in the Palm Desert area. The guys love coming here, we usually get great conditions to play. Great weather. Which we had this week. So we’re always excited to come here and play. Usually low scores, so you can work on your scoring clubs and get comfortable shooting some low scores. So we’re always excited to be here.” Just think if he had not hit the incredible shot on 17th by the rocks to allow himself to make par all that followed would have never happen, “So that was definitely a turning point for me. If that ball’s in the water I’m probably looking at 4, at best, maybe 5. And then probably not sitting here talking to you guys. So, I’m glad that the luck has turned a little bit for me this week and come my direction.”
Lingmerth gave Dufner about as much as he could handle playing one group of ahead applying bits of pressure all of the final round. The on his second shot on the second playoff hole was the demise, shooting from the ruff find the water hazard. He was asked about what happen on that shot, “just the rough is a little heavy in some spots and it grabbed my club a little bit more. It really wasn’t a bad swing, I don’t think, … Just a small mistake that was very costly.”
Other notable scores from the weekend: T3 Andrew Loupe (21-under-par-267), Phil Mickelson (21-under-par-267), Kevin Na (21-under-par-267), and T9 Bill Haas 2015 Champion (19-under-par-269)
