Saturday 24 January 2015 11:15, UK
Jason Dufner believes a new health regime will kick-start his rise back up the world rankings, starting at this week’s Humana Challenge.
The former US PGA Championship winner battled poor form as well as injuries during a winless 2014, missing the cut at the US Open and then having to take a lengthy break due to a neck problem.
After spending the winter on a gluten-free diet, Dufner heads to California nearly one-and-a-half stone lighter than last season and hoping the new programme will improve his performance.
“I didn't really have a choice,” the world No 36 said. “If I didn’t do it, I wasn’t going to be able to play golf. So it was pretty simple for me.
“I haven’t felt good for two or three years. It kind of came to a head last year. I couldn’t play.
“I missed the FedExCup play-offs, missed the defence of my PGA Championship, and more than likely missed playing in the Ryder Cup because of it.”
The tournament’s unique format sees the first three rounds split over the three courses, with PGA West’s Palmer Private, PGA West Nicklaus Private and La Quinta Country Club all being used.
Strong field
Dufner is one of 14 world top-50 players featuring this week in a field that includes reigning champion Patrick Reed and former US PGA champion Keegan Bradley, while two-time Humana champion Phil Mickelson returns to action for the first time since criticising USA captain Tom Watson after their Ryder Cup loss.
Former world No 1 Luke Donald usually plays in the European Tour's Desert Swing in the early part of the year, but he has opted to take part in the early PGA Tour events and struggled for consistency at last week’s Sony Open.
The Englishman is playing the Humana Challenge for the first time this week, and he is looking to make a fast start to the West Coast Swing.
“With the new wraparound schedule, in previous years I’ve felt like I'm getting left behind a little bit,” Donald said. “Some guys have played eight and nine events when I'm playing my first or second.''
“I heard (Humana) is good for someone who is a good wedge player and likes to hole putts."
Watch day one of the Humana Challenge live on Sky Sports 4 HD from 8pm.
