Rookie Steele Looks for Career-Changing Win

It’s already been a great year for Brendan Steele. Depending on what happens Sunday, it could be a career-shaping season.

Steele, a rookie on the PGA Tour, is tied for the lead at the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Steele shot a 66 on Saturday to pull into a tie for first place with Jason Dufner at 7-under 203.

For Steele, it’s a long way from playing the Nationwide Tour, where he spent the last three seasons. He earned a promotion to the PGA Tour by finishing sixth on that tour’s money list and has proven he belongs. He won the Valero Texas Open earlier this season and has three other top-25s.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Steele said.

It will get even wilder if he can pull off a championship conclusion at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Steele is trying to become the first player to win in their major-championship debt since Ben Curtis took the British Open in 2003.

Steele didn’t look like a contender earlier this week. He was so frustrated with his game last week at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational that he tweeted, “If golf is going to be like this, I’m never going to play again.”

The turning point came during a practice round with his buddy Scott Piercy. The two played many rounds together when they were on the Nationwide Tour and Piercy has the ability to look at Steele’s swing and offer advice.

“We talked about it when we were playing and I went and hit a few balls after we played the nine and it started clicking on Thursday a little bit,” Steele said. “I hit it really good yesterday and then still pretty good today, so hopefully it hangs on for another day at least.”

Steele will have his hands full with Dufner, who hit 17 greens in regulation on Saturday while shooting a 68. Dufner, followed by a crowd of Auburn fans all day, was strong at the finish; he played the rugged final four holes in 2-under.

“Good position to be in,” Dufner said. “Got a good pairing. Brendan has been playing pretty well this year. We’re kind of both in the same boat. I think it’ll be a good group.”

Dufner hasn’t been in contention much lately, having missed four straight cuts. He spent a lot of time working with his coach, Chuck Cook, on putting and tee shots.  

“Maybe a little surprised to be in the final group of a major, but not surprised to play well on this type of course.”

Related Topics: PGA Championship 2011