Seeking fans of the new David Duval
Posted at 3:54 PM by Michael Bamberger | Categories:
David Duval
Update: The story is finished, and many of our readers were quoted. Read it here.
Dear Readers, gentle and otherwise:
I'm writing about David Duval for our Golf Plus British Open preview issue, and I'd love to hear from a particular group of David Duval fans: those of you who didn't much care for Duval when he was the best player in the world, or close to it, yet found yourself rooting for him at the U.S. Open at Bethpage. What changed? Please leave your comments below and let me know whether I can quote you in the story.
Thanks,
Michael Bamberger, Sports Illustrated
Posted by: Mark Melickian | Jul 6, 2009 12:00:15 PM
I was neither a huge fan nor a detractor during his run a decade ago, but had the pleasure of following him in 2006 during a round at Medinah (PGA). He wasn't playing particularly well - seemed to be fighting his body and had a snappish case of the lefts - but his forays into the trees gave a few of us the opportunity to get up close and almost personal as he made a couple of rather miraculous recoveries following poor tee shots. He looked, as usual, stoic but riffed a bit with our small crowd - had a sardonic sense of humor. Who knew? Anyway, glad that he's back and apparently working himself into form.
Posted by: Myles Waldeck | Jul 2, 2009 4:51:20 AM
Who does not love a comeback ?? Personally I believe it is Duval's his change in both attitude and demeanour that has caused the change in his appeal!! David's everyday man appearance is what has changed my perception of him. His new persona gives mere mortals like us a glimmer of hope and inspiration that you don't need the tiger approach to rekindle your game !!!
Posted by: DD | Jul 1, 2009 4:47:19 PM
I have been a Duval fan from the beginning. I watched him a the height of his game at the Ryder Cup in 1999. He was, and still is, one of the most impressive players I've ever seen in person.
I have been following his comeback for years, agonizingly so at times. It wasn't until I saw him at the Honda Classic this Spring, and watched him hit balls, chip and putt. He literally made ther rounds on the range - talking with caddies, players, reps, coaches. He was really hamming it up. It was then that I realized that Duval wold be back, sooner than later. He certainly didn't seem like a guy in a 7 year slump. He seemed like a guy who loved his work, loved the process and was a success. He proved it last week at Bethpage.
Posted by: Brian S. | Jul 1, 2009 4:30:12 PM
I could never warm up to DD during the time he was on top. I think it was the sunglasses and cold demeanor. However, I found myself rooting for him at the Open because of the comeback nature of his career. Then to see him up front at the trophy presentation holding one of his son's I became an new fan. He is evidence that pro athletes at times don't have their priorities straight, get into a funk, and some come out the other side ready for a new chapter in their life. Go David, I'm rooting for you. The next best story would be his climb back up world ranking to get to #1. While that is a long way off, however we know the talent is there somewhere . . .
Posted by: ron | Jul 1, 2009 12:14:39 PM
I was and still am a David Duval fan. I have always thought he was the one guy that could mentally stand up to Tiger and if you want to win tournaments that is what is required when Tiger is out there. If you want to make a really good living that is fine and pro golf is a really nice place to do that, but I believe that DD wants to be a winner and not just one of the pay check players and for that I commend him. I was really pulling for him at the Open and I will be pulling for him the next time he tee's it up. Good luck DD and just go for it.
Posted by: Ron Lou | Jul 1, 2009 10:19:11 AM
With the Duval of old there was a perception of a me-only attitude. His glasses, his Ryder Cup pay comments (even though I did agree with him), his aloof demeanor. With stories of his new wife, and being a role-model for her children, his humility and new-found fire for the game made him likable, relate-able, and easy to root for. Good luck with family and golf for David Duval.
Posted by: Jim Cox | Jul 1, 2009 6:40:15 AM
I believe life is all about seeking that internal and ever-powerful peace that most of us never find and can only hope for. I believe David was in a bad place and nowhere near the peace he desired when he was # 1 in the world. Some people can and do change. I believe David has found some calmness that now follows him everywhere. This was clealry evidenced by his incredible resiliency during the US Open. How many times did we write him off as finished, yet there he was at the last hole with a great chance to win.
Posted by: Jojo Subido | Jul 1, 2009 4:03:49 AM
I'm just glad about how DD performed in the US Open, considering all the personal and physical trials he has gone through. Making it through the qualifier and having a chance to win the US Open is what anybody can hope for. Specially the 3 straight birdies he did on the back nine on Monday. I really thought he would pull through. I wouldn't say he is back yet but let's just say i'm looking forward to see him play again.
Posted by: James E. | Jun 30, 2009 10:45:07 PM
Never been a huge DD fan, but I was pulling for him at the OPEN on Sunday. A win would have been a great comeback story. If he doesn't get the hooking mudball out of the fairway on one hole and the plugged lie against the lip of the bunker on another, he's probably the Open Champion. His newfound confidence seems to be from finally finding his Driver. At the Tour level, if you can't drive the ball long and in the fairway it's hard to win unless you are Tiger or Phil. I think DD wins another major before he wins a regular tour event. Once you've been number 1 and won a Major as DD has, that's the only way to prove your back. Sure winning a regular tour event would help, but deep down DD seemed to be more focused at the Open than he has been in regular tour events.
Posted by: Brian R | Jun 30, 2009 10:12:57 PM
He still has a long way to go, but his performance at the Open, shows me he is headed in the right direction. He was in full command of his game. DD is a really misunderstood player. Just remember he is one of the few who really competed against Tiger, and won. He's better off mentally now, and if he really is back, everybody needs to watch out. Go DD.
Posted by: Cutie pie | Jun 30, 2009 9:42:52 PM
Because DD finished second at the us open,that doesn't mean he'll finish top ten the next tournament.Common,us open was his first top ten,since 2002.BIG NO!!!He's not back to the game.His runner up finished at the open was a fluke.
Posted by: Dani | Jun 30, 2009 9:22:55 PM
From Spain, I'm 22 and started to play when I was 15, so soon after I began to get in contact with the game, DD was in downslope, however I've always been DD supporter. I remember The Tour Championship in 2001, I recorded it in VHS. Then the winner was Mike Weir in a play-off vs Sergio, Ernie Els and David Toms. DD needed an eagle-2 in the 72nd hole to get the play-off, he didn't got it, but under that pressure, he shot and the ball bounced 2 inches far past the hole, was amazing!
Posted by: Wm Clark | Jun 30, 2009 8:41:47 PM
Before we say Duvall IS BACK, lets see how he fairs in the next couple of tourneys he is in. For the record, i have never been a D.D. fan. He didn't have the personally or moxie to attract many fans. He wore sunglasses when most players did not wear sunglasses and I thought that added to my growing dislike of him. It's like Ryan Moore's stupid looking train conductor hat he wears. Over time, I just became more negative about D.D. (admittedly, for no real reason). He is kinda like Scott Choke, errr Hoch. He is hard to cheer for. For more commentary on the Tour, please e-mail me
Posted by: Ryan Sapp | Jun 30, 2009 5:17:10 PM
Michael, feel free to use any of my comments from an earlier post
Posted by: Kevin Montminy | Jun 30, 2009 4:30:31 PM
What's not to love about this story? We love to build atheletes up only to watch them crumble with signs of their mortality before our eyes. But the greatest sporting pleasure comes from that willng soul who brushes the dust off their backside and tries for one last climb towards the pinnacle of their profession. The reality is that almost all of these second attempts end in disaster. That makes Duval's climb back from the depths of oblivion that much more of an enticing story. Were Duval return from his world ranking of 882 to a final round pairing with Tiger in a major would be almost too delcious to fatham.
Posted by: Roy | Jun 30, 2009 4:14:31 PM
I remember back in the day when baseball was played for fun and not for money, D. Duval reminds me of that...to play for the love of the game....I am a huge Woods fan but Duval has brought back to the game a love for it, not all these ego's of the guys who are in it for just a paycheck. He is the true Mantle of golf playing though injury because he loves the game...even though you never see his eyes...ha
Posted by: Michael Spanarella | Jun 30, 2009 4:07:45 PM
Often in life, we don't become our true selves until we are tested by life's challenges. Duval has faced many different challenges in his life. Between losing his brother at a young age, his parent's difficult divorce, his struggle to get his first tour win, his health problems and his wife's troubled pregnancy, Duval has looked adversity in the eye. He has become an everyman. Someone who regular fans cheer for because he has been down, and now he is showing signs of getting back up. When he smiles now he seems to truly be happy. He has become a happy husband and father, and perhaps that has allowed him to become more than just the #1 ranked player of years ago.
Posted by: Bill Self | Jun 30, 2009 3:56:30 PM
David Duval as the #1 player was a mystery behind welding goggles - he never smiled, had little to say, and let his golf game speak for him. As a player he was tops, as a person he was, well, who knows? He didn't let on. Then reality struck, with physical problems, personal problems, and I'd think some mental issues such as "How did I get to this point?". What is intriguing about the new Duval is that he is a human first and a golfer second. He has a family, a history of surmounting obstacles, and now, finally, a serious golf game once again. How long it will stick around, who knows? But I cannot wait to see him in the 09 British, and can't think of a more worthy person to root for. Good on ya, David!
Posted by: Angelo DelliSanti | Jun 30, 2009 3:25:34 PM
Simply put...I never saw him take off his sunglasses when he was number 1. On Saturday, he did...I didn't know he had eyes. Can't root for a guy with no eyes, but now I know they are there.
Posted by: Ryan Sapp | Jun 30, 2009 3:00:18 PM
I think could right a book of my following and interest in David Duval. Started at the 2000 British when no one else would stand up to Tiger. Then his sunday charge at the 2001 Masters comes up short. I remember waking up Saturday morning of the 2001 British to catch a glimpse of him on T.V. his round was already done and saw highlights of his 65. I didn't leave the T.V. that sunday when he won his Open. Then the setbacks...and injuries...and lose of desire. All along everyone wanted to be in the know of David Duval...what's wrong, what's going on? To steal a line from the movie JFK... it was an enigma wrapped inside a riddle. However, i kept following and rooting. The first time i followed him in person was at the 2003 FBR second round. He shot 62 course record with ease amidst a major slump. how mystifying?? I was able to speak briefly with DD before his round when he came off the range. i wished him well..."to go low" and he said thank you and signed my pairing sheet. I have since followed David 4 more times in person. His second round 82 at the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock. His first and second rounds (second round 68) at the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. And lastly his First round 67 at Bethpage this year. I think people were intially drawn to DD because of his struggles. How can something like that happen to the best player in the world? People are drawn to that kinda of stuff....and as they kept watching and following they realized how real and genuine David Duval really is. With his comeback bid we see the sheer determination, ultimate patience, and beleif in oneself that we all could try to emulate! Go DD!
Posted by: Patrick Eakins | Jun 30, 2009 2:52:04 PM
I used to despise David Duval when he was the favorite every time he put a peg in the ground because he was about the only threat at the time to the newcomer, Tiger Woods. He seemes smug and I hated those Oakley's. Can someone please get the guy a sponsorship with Maui Jim or something. Oakley's are played out! Anyway, I always liked the fact that he was a big Copenhagen guy. But now, for some reason, I would like to see him win a few tournaments. I really like the fact that he is a big family guy and that he was never shy about that being the most important thing in his life, not golf.
Posted by: Pete Michalsky | Jun 30, 2009 2:22:54 PM
I understand why a lot of people didn't like David when he was at the top of his game; he seemed aloof, his "Terminator" wrap-arounds hid him from view, and then he almost disappeared when he did his Christian Bale in "The Machinist" impression and nearly wasted away.
But to be fair, not many people knew that David wore the glasses because of pollen allergies, or that when he was younger he agreed to a bone-marrow transplant to help save his brother. He's always been a little removed from the spotlight, but in person, he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I am lucky enough to be a former GOLF Magazine staffer, and I can tell you when we met him before, and in, his prime, he was always a great guy.
I think people just like seeing someone come back like he has. It's part of the American Dream, and fitting of the times we're in.
You have permission to use all/part of my comments.
Posted by: Todd Grant | Jun 30, 2009 2:08:48 PM
You can use any quote you want Michael! Thanks for writing a piece on David.
Posted by: Todd Grant | Jun 30, 2009 2:03:29 PM
I have always been a huge David Duval fan. My family has been lucky enough to know him since he was 15 years old when he stayed at our house for the US Junior Amateur in 1986 at Muirfield Village. We have known David since he was a teenager and seeing him in contention at the Open brought back so many great memories as a kid growing up. DD has seen it all in his professional career: The peaks and valleys, the ups and downs. Getting to see DD in his prime was such a treat. To alot of people, he always seemed distant and quiet, but not to my family. David was always energetic, outgoing, loved to play basketball and ping pong in our basement.
Seeing him contend at the U.S Open was unreal. I hope that it will be the catalyst to more success and getting back to where he once was.
Posted by: Paul Kelley | Jun 30, 2009 1:55:11 PM
What's now different these past few years is that he's now the underdog. I pull for him to make it back and get his card.
Posted by: John Dechant | Jun 30, 2009 1:11:42 PM
The funny thing is that throughout his struggles, David Duval really never changed. If you've watched him close -- publicly -- he's the same guy. People seem to look at him different now because he's been wounded for the past seven years. But David Duval is just David Duval, and I respect him now just like I respected him then. And the quality of his golf demands that you respect his abilities as a player. At least to me, he seems like the same guy. It's a shame he had to fall so far professionally before people rallied around his cause to get back to the top. That says something about the public -- perhaps that they're jealous of a person who's a confident, dedicated and self-reliant individual. But the beautiful thing about it is that I don't think David Duval cares what we think about him -- and good for David Duval. I hope he wins again.
Posted by: Charles Boyer | Jun 30, 2009 12:03:31 PM
Back then, I bought into the stories that Duval was aloof and unfriendly. That was before I heard of his battles with depression, a debilitating illness that millions of Americans combat daily. That gave me insight and understanding into his personality and battles. When Duval found himself tied for the lead on the back nine of a final round of a US Open, I knew he had already won -- he had beaten back the disease that was largely responsible for problems in his career.
Posted by: Patrick Flanagan | Jun 30, 2009 11:42:39 AM
I don't know why but ever since I watched in person, David's only Major victory at Royal Lytham St.Annes(my hometown course), I have looked for him on every leaderboard........which sadly has been non-existant until the 2009 US Open. I think David's downward slide has been a humbling experience for him and it would be fascinating storyline for him to come back and win another major. I do honestly hope he does well at Tunberry and that his performance at the US Open was not a mirage.........welcome to use my words
Posted by: Keylor H. | Jun 30, 2009 10:50:46 AM
I don't see how a few good rounds on a big stage can change years of negative opinion. He was a jerk in victory and defeat. I respect the fact he is working his way back from the near the bottom but he has a lot to do before he wins me over.
Posted by: Jeff Kornak | Jun 30, 2009 10:41:33 AM
You can quote me. I used to watch golf and hope that Duval would not win. He never seemed to smile on the course and alway hid behind his wrap-around shades. Then after he reached number one in the world and began to slide quickly, I felt sorry for him. I thought he was done on tour similar to what happened with other pros that lost their game. Watching Duval battle back for years to try to regain his form has been incredible. He has been open about his struggles and it helps the common fan relate to him. The determination he has shown has been inspirational and I loved his confidence at the US Open. I enjoyed hearing him say he expected to win on Sunday. I really hope he comes full circle and is wins again. He is now my favorite pro on tour, even over Tiger!
Posted by: Michael Baker | Jun 30, 2009 10:24:54 AM
You can quote me. He was seemed like a rebel early in his career. He would go against most or all historical teaching methods with his look at the target not the ball during impact. I fond that attidude tough to take. After his struggles, it is David's way versus the world. And we always route for the underdog. GO DD!!
Posted by: Jack Keeler | Jun 30, 2009 10:19:46 AM
You can quote me. I never knew or cared a whole lot about David Duval growing up, however one day in 2006 changed all of this. I was the standard bearer for his group on the final day of the 2006 U.S Open. I was disappointed at the pairing as I had just accepted what I thought was common knowledge, Duval was a grumpy has been. Boy, could I have been more wrong. When the round was over, while the other player finished his round and hustled to the scorers tent, Mr. Duval took the time to shake my hand and sign a golf ball for me that I still have on display in my bedroom to this day. The simplest things can make a young teenage golf fanatic happy, and Mr. Duval was willing to that for me. In return he has forever had a favorite fan.
Thank you David Duval.
Posted by: Morgan Mullarney | Jun 30, 2009 9:55:40 AM
Quote me by all means. I was never a particularly huge Duval fan, other than the incredible 59 at the Bob Hope, his achievements meant little or nothing to me. I found his demeanour to be cold and lacking personality. I thought the guy had about as much depth as pi@@ on a marble floor. That is however, until he won The Open. When he took off those (frankly ridiculous) sunglasses and delivered one of the most elegant, eloquent and emotional acceptance speeches I have ever heard. I saw an entirely different guy that day to the robotic dullard that I knew. Since then I’ve been a big fan of Duval, having watched his decline with a sense of disbelief. I’ve read much about him over the last few years and understand a little more about him that I did prior to his Open victory. I’m delighted that he has started to bounce back and I hope that it continues – which I think it will – the mental strength he showed in the final round of the US Open was so impressive. After clocking up an early triple bogey which would have caused many others to fall apart, he took it in his stride. Would love to have seen him win it, but hope he builds on this and get himself back in contention on a regular basis. Go DD.
Posted by: Shag Bag | Jun 30, 2009 9:21:52 AM
The Tiger/Duval rivalry reminds me of Jim Courier/ Andre Agassi. Agassi was immensely talented and was a teenage sensation but went into a major slump around age 20. During that period, Jim Courier vaulted to number 1 and won four Grand Slam titles. Shortly after, Courier began to seem indifferent (famously reading a book between games) and burnt out. Agassi revitalized his career and went on to become an all-time great. Courier never reached those heights again and became a commentator. The difference is that Duval kept going and seems to have perservered.
Posted by: Josh | Jun 30, 2009 9:01:09 AM
Remember David Duval the unemotional, stoic faced "robot" hidden behind the sunglasses? I do, and I hated him! Having lived in Colorado and followed the professional demise, but human growth of David Duval, my attitude shifted from dislike to pitty; he is now one of the players I root to see on the leaderboard every week, go David! (ok to use)
Posted by: richard dailey | Jun 30, 2009 8:49:48 AM
I have always been a fan. Just waiting for him to emerge again.
Posted by: DoctrC | Jun 30, 2009 8:22:53 AM
Am I the only person who felt the marshall/announcer on the tee at Bethpage on Monday adversely affected Duval on his first hole and possbily played a role in his losing the Open? Duval had gone through his preshot routine and was just about ready to swing when the starter yells "QUIET PLEASE!" Duval had to stop and regather himself and then hit his tee shot into a horrible bunker lie which cost him a triple bogey on his first hole and possibly the Open. I have never been a big Duval fan, but I found myself pulling for him after that incident and especially in that he never brought it up again even though it definitely caused him to alter his focus. Did anyone else see this and agree? It was nothing intentional by the starter, but it was incredibly bad timing to yell AFTER Duval prepared to swing. I know pros must deal with distractions, but this appeared to be a very unfortunate "blunder" by the tee marshall as opposed to the gallery. Anyway, glad to see Duval playing well again as he has earned greater respect professionally and personally by many golf fans including this one.
Posted by: Roy Johnson | Jun 30, 2009 7:41:54 AM
David Duval has character. Look what he has gone thru and is still at it. He is a lot like Ben Hogan, just plays the course and is his own man.
Posted by: Gaurav Syal | Jun 30, 2009 6:04:30 AM
David Duval doesn't have a fan following here in India, but i have seen a lot of his game when he was No.1 in the world and him winning the British Open. After his slump in the game i guess people just forgot about him, its great to see him back after all these years of struggle with his game. I have a good story about him in the 2005 British Open at St. Andrews. I had gone to view a practice round and was standing near the 18th green, along came David playing with Davis Love and Fred Couples, he hit a couple of pitches and putts and was not looking happy about his game. I shouted out to him saying that come on David smile abit, its the Open and you still have some more wins in you. He really appreciated that comment and actually came over and signed his ball and gave it to me as a gift. As i said before i'm glad he's finding his game back. Cheers from India.
Posted by: Nat Ehrlich | Jun 30, 2009 4:48:49 AM
I've always been a fan of DD. He played the game like Hogan (whom very few liked while he was active). I think a lot of his 'unpopular' image comes from the fact that he's very, very different from the typical Tour pro -- lived through his brother's death (after donating cells to keep him alive) his parents' divorce, a messy breakup with a long-time girlfriend, discovering that, after winning the British, he was fundamentally unchanged...and not being the typical right-wing Republican no-think, parrot talking points.
He ACTUALLY READS!! And makes up his OWN MIND!!
No matter what, I'll always think very highly of him.
Posted by: Corrie Schuler | Jun 30, 2009 1:52:19 AM
I like him now that he's fat. (You may quote me)
Posted by: Chuck Furman | Jun 30, 2009 12:44:19 AM
Oh yeah,
You can use my comment
Posted by: Jay Connolly | Jun 29, 2009 11:47:29 PM
Quote away. I have always been fascinated by Duval, though he was hard to like last time around. All that introversion. It was as though he had achieved the ideal so many pros hint at: shut everything out, fans included, and play the golf course. He was a guy chasing demons, and it was a cold, calculating pursuit, like one of those movie heros they bring in to fight the wild oil-well fire, or crawl naked with the venomous snakes to extract the miracle-cure potion from the fangs. Private. Today’s Duval walks among the fallen, as he so eloquently said in his post-final-round interview. In our work, in our private lives and loves, and in our golf, we have battled a brand of frustration we rarely, if ever, believe the pros experience. Duval has walked with us. Now, when he meets our eyes, we recognize ourselves.
Posted by: kraig koch | Jun 29, 2009 11:16:04 PM
You can use my qoutes. I have been watching David Duval since he was #1 to his slide and climb back to the top. I always felt like he was just another golfer who was in the right place at the wrong time. Tiger Time. With all the drama and issues hes had whether legit or not hes battled back now can he keep it down the middle.He should be proud of what he did at Bethpage and just stay focused.Its been fun watching his dry demeanor and that stoic look which is really his trademark.
Posted by: Andrew Eubanks | Jun 29, 2009 10:07:00 PM
You can quote this, if you would like to. I was never a huge David Duval fan when he was number one in the world. I did not dislike him though. It was more on indifferent, I knew he was good, but there was nothing really that stuck out. Even in the past 7 or 8 years, when he fell from 1 to 882 (I think), I still never bothered with him. However, in this year's US Open, I was hoping he would pull off the victory or even have a good finish. For some reason, I like the "feel good" stories. For instance, Kenny Perry playing so well last year to make the Ryder Cup team since it was being played in his home state, and John Daly finally starting to play well in his comeback. The Pink out at the Byron Nelson championship in honor of Amy Mickelson. It is those feel good stories that hit home, and help to make the fans realize that these Pro golfers are still real people with real issues. So seeing David Duval fight back against his injuries and loss of confidence just goes to show everybody that with some hard work and dedication, issues and problems can be overcome. As it is said in Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, "There are finer things in life than winning championships."
Posted by: Thomas Wright | Jun 29, 2009 10:01:37 PM
Myself and my then 10 year old son saw David play in 2000 during the height of his career. My son was a big fan and wanted his autograph most. We waited patiently and whent he time came, David walked past and never acknowledged anyone. Fast forward to now. I had the priviledge of seeing David at the last 84 lumber classic I believe in 2005. My son was again with me and again he wanted David's autograph. This time not only did David sign, but he stood and talked with my son and others in the crowd for a good 5 minutes after scoring his round. I told him about the incident earlier and he was gracious enought to apologize and remarked how his life was different now. He went on to say that he appreciates everything more now than he did. Although he was still going thru some swing problems and finished horrible at the tournament, he left an edilible mark on me and my son. I am most definelty a fan, not because he gave us the autograph we so desperately wanted, but because he he seems to understand what is truly imporant in life and seems determined to know longer take his skill for granted.
Posted by: Bruce Lindeman | Jun 29, 2009 8:58:05 PM
My brother-in-law was doing on course commentary for the Golf Channel/ESPN at the time and I was down on the practice tee watching Duval hit balls -- before he was anyone on tour. Everyone else was at the other end watching Tiger. My jaw hung at the purity and ease of his swing that I remember wondering when he would turn the corner and begin winning. Look, Duval struggled w/ demons the rest of us hopefully will never know since he was a kid. That stuff affects you to the core. So, he seemed aloof. Big deal. It never took away from his game. And, when he finally figured out there was more to life than golf, and some nagging injuries got in the way, he did a 360. Again, big deal. We all want to gauge everyone against Tiger and there's only one of that guy. Duval is a class act, a decent human being, father, husband, and also happens to own one of the prettiest swings in golf. I'm glad he's back. But, if he decided to hang it up tomorrow, I wouldn't think any less of the man.
Posted by: Christian Dix | Jun 29, 2009 8:49:57 PM
The old Duval reminded me of the athletic kid who was better than everyone else just based on his natural talent. He seemed to take for granted how good he was and didn't seem to really enjoy the game. He played the sport because he was good at it. After watching all his struggles and his battling back, Duval seems like he has rediscovered his passion for the game and his desire to be great. This new Duval seems like a totally self-assured veteran, and I now hope he can recapture the results of the pestulant child prodigy years.
Feel free to use any or all of this.
Posted by: Brian | Jun 29, 2009 8:46:15 PM
You can quote this, I loved when Duval and Tiger battled it out at St. Andrews. I loved it when Duval went down as fast as his ball did in the road hole bunker and Tiger took the spotlight. So what changed my mind? Two things. One, I was in the road hole bunker when I played The Old Course. It sucks. Two, I was there when he made his first cut in years at the Texas Open. It was fantastic to see this man be so close yet so far. I love challenges and obviously so does he. I was fortunate to be a walking scorer for his final round at the Valero Texas Open this year. I walked right beside him every step of the way that Sunday. I saw it first hand how close he was. One shot here or a putt there and this guy would be number one again. Duval hit an old 5 wood all day long and he hit it farther than other players hit their driver. It was amazing. At the end of that round that day, he walked over to me, handed me an autograph ball. I took my hat off and told him, "Mr. Duval, it was an honor to meet you and walk with you." I have new found respect for him and I will always look to see what he posts each week. Keep it rolling Duval!
Posted by: michelle wie | Jun 29, 2009 8:46:06 PM
i'm watching the top 10 memorable rulings on golf channel and they just talked about how you (bamberger) called the LPGA and got michelle wie dq'ed for that drop she made at the samsung! classy.
Posted by: Andre van der Post | Jun 29, 2009 8:37:44 PM
When David was #1 in the world, it was like he didn't care about the bigger aspects of the game; the fans, the history or some of its most meaningful traditions that link it to "us" the weekend golfer. However, after his descent into the depths of golfing despair and through some of the really insightful and bare-to-the-bone interviews he gave, a view of a very different person emerged. One who was keenly aware of his role as a mentor to others and someone who had started to realize the role that was expected of him, both on and off the course. Now that he is on his way back up, it's going to be awesome to see the new Double Dee and what he has to offer. If anyone can stare down tiger it is David as all Tiger will see is his own reflection in the "wrap-arounds". It is really awesome when good guys actually do win! And yes, you can quote me!
Posted by: Brian D | Jun 29, 2009 6:48:27 PM
I picked up the game again in 2004 after a 10 year layoff. It was about that time I started watching tournaments and reading lots of books. I guess I became a David Duval fan after reading "Who's Your Caddy". Hearing his story made me cry. I read about him a few years ago in one of the Golf magazines about how he is happy with his life in Colorado, and he seemed perfectly content if he never won another tournament. I guess I didn't know he existed in 1999/2000 but now I'm rooting for him to win a major.
Posted by: Chuck Furman | Jun 29, 2009 6:40:02 PM
You can count me in this group. David Duval seemed distant,arrogant and removed the first time around.
I have followed his life and career since because,I am a golf fan. He has really done a great job getting his act together,raising a family and toughing out what must have been an agonizing number of years. He went from a rich,number1 in the world golfer into the abyss. A lesser man would be living under a bridge somewhere. Through it all the guy was all class. He played all the qualifiers,took the exemptions and couldn't do anything right. He kept going for a long time with nothing to show for it but frustration,disappointment and humiliation. The guy is the poster boy for guts,determination,class and indomitable desire. He became someone I have great respect for way before the Open. I can't think of any golfer never mind most people who fell as far as David and fought his way back.
If you believe in courage,tenacity and class,you have to be a fan of David's. Period
Posted by: Chad Blish | Jun 29, 2009 6:26:31 PM
I became a David Duval fan when I saw the Nike commercial where he breaks "Tigers" window using his driver. I really appreciate a guy who can make fun of himself. I hope Duval wins the british.
Posted by: Rhett Owens | Jun 29, 2009 6:18:38 PM
I have always been a Duval fan. Watching him shoot 59 at the Bob Hope was one of my greatest golfing memories. At that point in his career I'd never seen anyone play that type of dominant golf, with the exception of Greg Norman during the first half of the 1990's. What makes me such a Duval fan now is that he never, ever, gave up. I can't tell you how many times I've repeated what he's been saying for two years which is that his scores were not reflecting the way he was playing. Nothing is more discouraging than not getting what you deserve out of your round. It takes someone with grit to continue to hear the skeptics and persevere in spite of them. Combine that with his new devotion to his family, and to a life outside of the ropes, and what's not to like.
Posted by: Jim Linker | Jun 29, 2009 5:51:09 PM
Back when Duval was at the top of the golf world, it wasn't that I didn't like him, but from the outside he seemed distant. He didn't show much emotion and people always wondered what/who was behind those sunglasses. But now, like other athletes, musicians and people in general, age has given him new perspective on life. I compare it to a high school reunion. At the five or ten year reunion, everyone is still caught up with projecting themselves as being important, successful, etc. But at the 20 year reunion, nobody cares how they are perceived and are able to be more comfortable in their skin. I think this is what has happened to Duval. Obviously, he has been humbled in his golf game and his life has been put in perspective. By not taking himself and his golf game so seriously, he is able to take a step back and smell the roses. This is something everyone should do. I am hoping Duval's game stays in the shape it was at Bethpage and I think it would be a highlight of the golf year if he won a tournament.
Use as you wish.
Posted by: Eric | Jun 29, 2009 5:46:34 PM
Fan of him then and now. Hope he can become more competitive again. Bethpage was a step in the right direction.
Posted by: Rick Evans | Jun 29, 2009 5:44:55 PM
Before: machine, hidden, emotionless; Now: tempered through suffering, passionate, open, and approachable.
Posted by: Ted Goodman | Jun 29, 2009 5:40:52 PM
I was never a Duval fan while he was on top. Not quite sure why but usually found myself routing for whoever was chasing him down. Over the past several years, I follow each tournament closely at work on Thursdays and Fridays and always see him there, trying to bring it back and almost always failing to do so. I have gained respect for his quiet determination when he could have simply shut it down and called it a career...a successful one at that! To see him there on Thursday and Friday of the US Open got me to the edge of my seat. When he was there Sunday (Monday), I was pacing the livingroom routing aloud. I am all in now! Go Duval!!!