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Duval's Desire To Compete Returns

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2008

Nine years ago, David Duval shot a final-round 59 to win the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic while ascending to No. 1 in golf's world rankings

Today, the past champion tees off in the tournament's first round in Palm Desert, Calif., ranked 703rd. No shortage of theories has been offered since Duval vanished from golf's radar, yet a total explanation as to what went wrong remains a mystery. Bottom line: One day he was good, one day he wasn't.

Between 1997 and the 2001 British Open - his last victory - Duval rolled up 13 titles and earned recognition as one of the tour's best ball strikers. He played on the 1999 and 2001 Ryder Cup teams.

Then, suddenly, someone dropped a safe on his head.

When Duval finished the 2002 season 80th on the money list after never having been worse than 11th since joining the tour in 1995, it ranked as one of the great collapses of recent years. And the worst was still ahead.

Back In The Swing

Eventually, Duval retreated to the privacy of a new family. He married and became a stepfather of three. In September, wife Susie, after complications and prescribed bed rest, gave birth to the couple's second child.

Before issues developed with the pregnancy, Duval indicated interest in mustering a serious comeback. During a five-week West Coast swing, he made three cuts, and though his best finish was a tie for 36th at Pebble Beach, he shot 70 or better in six of 17 rounds.

However, when Susie was diagnosed with subchorionic bleeding that put the birth of their daughter in question, Duval curtailed play.

Now, he is back to try again.

We think.

The one-time star has made no secret of his dwindling interest in golf and the demands that go with competing at the highest level. Yet, on the flip side, he is prideful and philosophical. At 36, he is still young and healthy. He enters this season vowing to play a full schedule. He even mentioned a couple of goals: win and qualify for the Ryder Cup team.

"I think there's a part of me, certainly, that wants to show my family the golfer that I was eight years ago before they knew me, and I'd certainly like for my newest little addition to see me play at some point as much as anything," Duval said recently. "And really, like I said, too, there's just a desire to play and actually compete again."

Proceed With Caution

Golf would like nothing more that to see Duval return. Ironically, Duval was never a particular fan favorite during his days of success, but his popularity and support soared as fans followed his struggles. The public seemed to find his tight-lipped perseverance more embraceable during tough times.

But as play begins today, Duval's golf career no longer can be about what he has or hasn't done in past years. It's about what he can do right now, and how much he can enjoy doing it.

Duval will be able to play a full schedule this year because of a PGA Tour medical exemption he received as a result of his wife's condition. He insists the swing is still there. So, where is his head?

"Eight years ago, golf was pretty important to me," Duval said. "I still enjoy it, and it's still important, but it's not like anything I thought it was. To not have exposure to family life, I didn't know any better. Now I hit balls when I can, and other than that, I don't worry about it. I'm not willing to sacrifice my family for this little white ball."

No reason he should. After earning almost $17 million in his career, Duval can afford to point his life in any direction he likes. Just proceed with caution. From this point, it gets harder and harder to change directions.

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