During the same weekend that Tiger Woods won the winning point in the Presidents Cup for America, and plenty of money was being won in Asia, little publicity was given to another former world number 1 golfer from the US plying his trade in Southern California simply to try and keep his PGA Tour Card.
David Duval, who topped the rankings in 1998, had 11 wins in 34 tournaments between 1997 and 1999 (including eagling the 18th for a 59 to win the 1999 Bob Hope event) and who won the 2001 British Open at Royal Lytham, has had an almighty fall from grace; yet he still has the determination and will to face qualifying school, despite the fact his successful past would gain him plenty of tournament invitations next year. He finished the weekend in second place, but with another 108 holes still left to play before a tour place can be secured, he’s still a long way from success…but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Compare Duval’s efforts to those of John Daly, who refuses to attend qualifying school and relies heavily on tournament invitations, only to walk off the course when things aren’t going great, and you can’t help but admire the man. Regardless of whether or not Duval makes it through tour school, he will certainly not lack any support when and wherever he plays next season.
By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 11 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
