Duval hoping for revival
by Richard Field, 15 May 2008
David Duval is hoping to reverse his fortunes at this week’s AT&T Classic.
The American has been in freefall ever since winning the 2001 Open, slumping to 80th on the money list by the following year.
Duval has won 13 titles on the PGA Tour and became the first player to shoot 59 in the final round of a tournament at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 1999.
There have been eight missed cuts so far this season as the latest trauma to hit the golfer was a difficult pregnancy for his wife.
“I’m a lot closer to playing great golf than my scores indicate,” Duval said.
“When I’m swinging well, nobody hits the golf ball any better than I do.”
Duval is currently averaging 75 strokes per round and during his darkest days was regularly in the 80s.
“I faced a problem that thousands and thousands of golfers have faced,” added Duval.
“I’d get on the tee and I wouldn’t know where to aim because I didn’t know if I was going to hit it right or left or straight.
“It almost becomes a cliché, but it’s very difficult to play this game, especially professionally, if you can’t eliminate half the golf course.”