Zurich Classic of New Orleans Power Rankings

No. 8: Jason Dufner/Patton Kizzire

OWGR – Dufner: No. 63, Kizzire: No. 141

Speaking of the SEC, the Auburn contingent will be out in full force to support these former Tigers, and with any luck, it looks like they could have something to cheer about. Dufner has been playing this season with his usual quiet consistency, while Kizzire’s form has recently taken a turn for the better. It’s all pointing towards a productive week at TPC Louisiana for these two.

While many players his age struggle to get consistent results, Dufner has been one of the PGA Tour’s steadiest players this year, picking up six top 25 finishes in his last eight starts. That stretch includes a tie for 11th two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where he led the field in strokes gained: off-the-tee despite fading in the final round. The winner of the 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, he’s never managed to get close to that result in his subsequent starts, but you can’t deny the experience. Kizzire, while mired in a slump for most of this season, recently had an okay week at the Heritage. He also tied for eighth at last year’s Zurich Classic, so there’s hope there.

There are bigger names in the field, but don’t sleep on Dufner and Kizzire. They could surprise a lot of people this week.