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Duval goes back to school

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Iain Carter | 21:56 UK time, Monday, 21 November 2011

The United States were successfully defending the Presidents Cup in Australia, and at tournaments around the golfing world, plenty of yen, rand and Malaysian ringgit were being won, but there was also a healthy dose of dignity and self-respect being earned in southern California at the weekend.

Attention was inevitably aimed in at Royal Melbourne. Elsewhere, Garth Mulroy was triumphing at Leopard Creek in South Africa and the highly promising Dutchman Joost Luiten claimed a timely maiden win in Malaysia.

But Woods was not the only former world number one in action at the weekend. Under the radar, at the , David Duval was demonstrating humility and talent in equal measure as he began his quest to retain his PGA Tour card.

For a man with career earnings of nearly $19m (Β£12m), responsibilities to five children and a deep love of family life it would be easy to skip the tortuous process of trying to earn playing privileges.

This is especially true of a player with a glorious history that - however remote it now seems - will still earn him plenty of tournament invitations.

It is easy to tell that Duval knows how to do the right thing. Despite having once stood at the top of the golfing world, reeling off victories with the regularity of Woods in his pomp, the 40-year-old knows that a visit to Q-school is not beneath him.

This is someone who racked up 11 wins in 34 tournaments between 1997 and 1999, including eagling the closing hole for a . Twelve years on, with medical and earnings exemptions expired, instead of Bob you can stick the world little in front of Hope.

David Duval's only victory in a major was the Open Championship in 2001. Photo: Getty

At Bear Creek it was merely the second stage of qualifying school, where players are scrambling for the right to play the second-tier Nationwide calendar next season. There are still another 108 holes to be negotiated at PGA West at the end of this month before Duval can be sure of a place alongside the 2012 elite.

Such career uncertainty is what happens when you finish 152nd on the money list with only one top-10 finish all season. Duval's share of ninth place at the Northern Trust Open was back in February and there has been very little to cheer since then.

Sadly this has long since been the norm for a player whose crowning moment came at Royal Lytham when he won his only major, the . Little did he know then that he had already embarked on an inexorable slide.

With hindsight, Duval traces his dramatic decline to a back injury suffered the previous year. Since then he has suffered neck and wrist problems, debilitating vertigo and depression. He split from his long-time fiance and soon after met his wife Susie and her three children in Denver where he now lives.

Seen in his pomp as an emotionless golfing machine shielded by trademark dark glasses, Duval is a sensitive, emotional figure who retains a strong love for the game, despite being almost continuously tortured by it for more than a decade.

And that is why he continues to battle away. Having fallen $11,289 (a little over Β£7,000) short of being able to go straight to final Q-school, Duval nursed his sore back through the chilly California winds to earn the right to make that stage with a second-placed finish at Bear Creek.

"It's a difficult week, a trying week," admitted Duval, who finished tied second at the . "It's people's livelihoods, the dreams they are trying to pursue. I know I'm going to be able to play next season regardless and it is still stressful for me."

This is surely evidence of sheer professionalism and an attitude that is the polar opposite of someone like John Daly, who relies upon sponsor invitations to carry on his career and then abuses them by walking off the course.

Two-time major champion Daly doesn't get it like Duval does. "I've had some awful days where it takes a lot of mental will to go play golf," Duval admitted in a Men's Journal magazine interview last year.

"I shot 62 at Pebble Beach once. Six or seven years later, I shot 85. What did I do after that? I teed it up the next day."

And that's the attitude that took the man who missed 15 cuts in 24 tournaments this year to this lowly Californian qualifier.

"I feel great, that's why I came," he smiled after tying for second place to advance to the Q-school finals.

"I'll count on the charity [of sponsor invitations] if I have to, but I would prefer to play my way on. I wanted to make the effort - I disagree with not trying."

Duval's efforts were duly rewarded and it would take a hard heart not to wish him well for the remaining six rounds of qualifying school. Regardless of whether he makes it through, he will not lack for support when and wherever he plays next season.

Comments

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  • Comment number 1.

    Fantastic Blog. Didnt know Duval was doing this. Fair play to him and it puts guys like John Daly to shame for their recent behaviour and disrespect. Cheers Iain you Legend.

  • Comment number 2.

    Good luck to DD. I remember when he dominated for that period of 18 months or so. He really was awesome.

  • Comment number 3.

    Excellent article, good choice of topic when it would have been so tempting to write about the apparent return to some sort of form of a certain Eldrick Tont Woods in Australia!

    Great to see that DD still has the same passion for the game and determination to work hard and succeed as he had when he was world #1. Q-School must be a very humbling experience for a man who once dominated golf for a period like few ever have. Very brave and commendable that he is prepared to put this effort in an not simply rely on the invitations that his stature character and popularity offers.

    Most importantly this story shows something that is common in keen golfers of all levels - an inexplicable love for a game that to most practitioners can be relentlessly cruel, a belief that the next round will be better and that there is always a possibility of winning. It is that love of the game even when it is beating us up and that strive for perfection that keeps us donning the footjoys and getting back out on the fairway.

  • Comment number 4.

    I admire him for the effort though if you have a nice little nest egg tucked away like I am sure he has, it will be a lot less stressful than for the journeyman pro who needs to qualify to make a decent living.
    It's amazing how the public love the George Best, Gazza, Alex Higgins and John Daly characters. It's like their flaws make them lovable somehow and they are easily forgiven.

  • Comment number 5.

    I always thought that DD was conceited behind those dark, wrap-around glasses he always wears. That was until he won the Open and was so humble. He then went up in my estimation tremendously when at the Ryder Cup at The Belfry he was seen chatting and joking with the European Team and their wives and caddies whilst in the heat of battle, and not getting into the fist pumping of his erstwhile team-mates.

    He respects the traditions of the game, his opponents and by his actions in going to Q-School he also knows that you get nothing out of the game unless you put an awful lot in. Keep it up DD and all the best. Great blog Ian.

  • Comment number 6.

    i was so happy for DD when he won the Open and he was so humble. He's a great fella and a credit to Golf. A lot of Pro's could do with following his example. Some of them are so rude and caught up in nonsense like twitter now they will never gain the respect a man like DD has amongst the golfing public. Hope he makes it through, would be a great achievement.

  • Comment number 7.

    Nice one Iain, Good Blog

    During the time that Duval was the number 1 player in the world i was an impetuous teen, broken shafts were'nt uncommon and i made a real effort to use him as a role model. He wasnt my hero, that honour went to the homegrown golfers and the more flamboyant foreigners but he was a kind of role model to me (It must be noted that i failed spectacularly to immitate his demeanour when things stated going badly)

    I recall after his 59 that Iain alluded to he was speaking to the press and he was asked if he was going to the range in preparation for a potential playoff (which was a very real possibility as he'd started the day some way off the pace) his response with a wrye grin was "Yeah i think i have a few things i need to work on". It wasnt a side he let out much but it was a nice touch.

    At 40 i fear he'll never make it back even close to his best but i'll always have a soft spot for him anyway

  • Comment number 8.

    More power to him. At the last Muirfield Open I met an American who told me that DD wasn't liked in his home country, but couldn't tell me why. My response was that he was popular in Britain, possibly because of the respect he showed for the history and tradition of our championship and his humility when he won it. I believe that's still true, and that if he does go down the invitation route he will be a welcome addition to the field at half a dozen European events next year. Form transient; class permanent.

  • Comment number 9.

    @dabeef14 Ditto ! I wish him well ! john daly learn !!!

  • Comment number 10.

    Professional, humble, genuine guy who just enjoys what he does. Good luck to him. We all have our demons and I hope DD conquers his once and for all.

  • Comment number 11.

    Nice read. Fair play to Duval and with his skill and talent it will be no time before he is back on the PGA tour winning again. God speed.

  • Comment number 12.

    I have great respect for the man. As many have said a true professional both on and off the course. My biggest example of this is how he was in the European players suite celebrating their Ryder Cup win at the Belfry until the early hours, whilst his team mates were feeling very sorry for themselves.

  • Comment number 13.

    It may, as Ian says, be humbling for DD to go back to Q-school but it is also very humbling for me to read this article and realise the greatness of the man when he has absolutely no need to put himself through this. It is why we all keep playing this wonderful game. Personally I had 2 years of ill health and have never put in the time and effort to get back to my previous level. This gives me hope & encoragement to get back in there and put some work in.

  • Comment number 14.

    Excellent article, Iain.
    Proof positive that you're reading 606v2.
    Remember also that Duval is a "veteran player" and will gain entry to a number of events via that "status", as well as the sponsor invites.
    Hopefully it won't come to that.

  • Comment number 15.

    Great article Iain - especially the choice of topic - the Presidents Cup had been done to death before they even teed off!!

    DD is an absolute gent - I walked round with him at a practise day at Royal Liverpool and he was so humble - and I just love his swing - its like he looks up half way on down his swing! I have tried this at the range and hitting the ball becomes a task!!

    I do however also like John Daly - yes hes crass and arrogant and rude - but again I followed him on a Thursday at the Open - he missed a 2 foot putt, threw his putter about 15 yd. Next hole was a tight par 4 with OB all down the left - not a long one most were hitting 4 iron - he got his driver out and ripped one just short of the green - not saying I like the man but he is great to watch. An even though he walked off the course he gained that tournament publicity by doing so - more publicity than finishing tied 80th!!

  • Comment number 16.

    It will be interesting to hear what Don247 thinks of this blog.

  • Comment number 17.

    Nice article Iain and good luck to DD. I remember watching him a lot on Sky around the turn of the millennium, including that phenomenal 59 at the Bob Hope.

    Many people remark how they are surprised to find that he is a humble and good guy off the course. I think this a compliment to his game because at his peak, it was his scoring and shot making that was aggressive and machine-like, not his personality.

  • Comment number 18.

    Nice one Bilo, don't let your lack of anything to say prevent you from posting to deflect attention away from the subject at hand and back where it belongs, on the inane musings of you and your coterie of cybersquatters on Iain's blog.

    Back on topic, golf is one of those sports where giant swings in form and fortune are not at all uncommon. At only 40, there's always hope that Duval may yet benefit from another upswing. I'm sure this is what keeps him plugging away.

  • Comment number 19.

    NIce article and I agree with most of the posts on here............... I too thought DD was aloof when he was rising to World No1, but once you see an interview with him, you realise how 'normal' he was compared to the majority.
    I hope he succeeds with his Q school and comes to play in Europe more where he will be greatly appreciated.

    Good luck DD!

  • Comment number 20.

    @18 Tim, i always have a lot to say, i was just saying it will be interesting to hear what Don247 has to say as we all look forward to hearing what he says. If you dont like it run along.

  • Comment number 21.

    Nicely written Tim - I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about the trolls who infest these blog pages but please stop using words like 'coterie' on Bilo's blog.

  • Comment number 22.

    Can we stay on topic please and not break out into blog-gang warfare.

    # thefallenreds - I think you raise an interesting point about Americans playing more on the European Tour. I think the reason why Europe is dominating the world rankings at the moment is that they have a much more rounded game. Donald has success both sides of the pond, as does Rory and G-Mac - although Westwood hasn't won a major he has still earned good results over there. Americans are not used to such varying conditions in course set-ups in my humble opinion. Perhaps if some of the ageing members of the PGA Tour like DD came across here and played more they would get get a more rounded game and be able to earn good money on both tours.

  • Comment number 23.

    Poor Westy and Lukey (my fav) are always the bridemaid and never the bride.
    Actually has Luke ever been a bridesmaid even?

    If these guys had bottle...they would be deserved of their ranks.

  • Comment number 24.

    Excellent blog. I remember Duval fondly for his gracious speech on accepting the claret jug in 2001 and also for his sporting concession of Darren Clarke's putt for a half at the Ryder Cup the following year. A true champion and a fine role model.

  • Comment number 25.

    Great player, top bloke... but way past it. Sad really.

  • Comment number 26.

    Wow .. a lesson in never taking it for granted and putting in the hard graft.
    Wish him well and hope he can have a few good years ahead of him.

  • Comment number 27.

    Interesting article about Duval - I hadn't realised that he was doing this.

    My opinion of Duval changed somewhat over the years. I didn't like his antics at the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline where he was one of the 'cheerleaders' in whipping up the crowd and I lay some (and only some) of the blame for the ensuing frenzy at Duval's door. I never found him someone who was easy to warm to - maybe something to do with the ever-present sunglasses or dress-sense. Like others, my opinion warmed towards him after he won The Open and he displayed great humility, and you realised what perhaps came across as being 'aloof' was maybe just a little shyness.

    Everyone was waiting for the Duval v Woods showdown going down the stretch and it just never happened, which was a great pity. It's a shame he lost his form so spectacularly (perhaps only surpassed in recent times by Michael Campbell?) but he will be recalled as a fabulous player and I hope he makes it through Q-school.

  • Comment number 28.

    Powerhitter - Its a good point you make about his aloofness actually being shyness. The problem is that an arrogant aloofness and being shy manifest themselves in basically the same way. Equally flashy sunglasses are often associated with people who think a lot of themselves or are a bit of a showpony but again they can also be a way of trying to keep yourself hidden or feel more secure.

    I do remember him "Tubthumping" at the Ryder Cup but even at the time it seemed clear to me that this was somewhat out of character, and just put it down to the passion the event can at times inspire

  • Comment number 29.

    Ya I remember him seeming quite obnoxious at that 1999 ryder cup...I didnt like him until his british Open winning speech...I remember thinking what a gentleman.

  • Comment number 30.

    Jimmy, I think I read somewhere years ago that he actually wore the sunglasses due to a condition he had with his eyes, and it was to protect them from too much sun. In those days he was practically the only one wearing them, whereas half the players are now posing with suglasses on the back of their heads.

  • Comment number 31.

    Well David Duval maybe going through a hard time right now but no matter what happens he is still a major winner...and that will maintain his legacy.
    I know 2 players in the top 3 in the world that would love to be able to call themselves a major winner...but sadly will most likely never.

  • Comment number 32.

    Not surprised at the character of David Duval being humble enough to go to Q-School. To continue to pursue his love for the game despite his scores after dropping off the face of the big green ball, takes much strength. His came from his upbringing. When he was 9 he gave marrow to his older brother only for him to die shortly after has had a defining influence on what he sees as important in life. Funny how some take things at face value and pre-judge. But here's a man I think who is a much greater role model for our times than Tiger. He demonstrates an attitude that, in spite of so much going against you, not to throw your clubs around (Tiger on too many occasions) to pick yourself up, brush yourself down and get on with the next shot. Golf is so much like life. There's much we can admire about Mr Duval. And if he becomes half as good as he once was, then he's still one hell of a player and man. I for one wish him well.

  • Comment number 33.

    #31
    "I know 2 players in the top 3 in the world that would love to be able to call themselves a major winner...but sadly will most likely never."

    You have made your feelings on this subject abundantly clear on numerous occasions (and I respect your opinion and your right to state it) but do you really mean to say that you know OF 2 players ..

    If you did actually know the two players you allude to, what is their reaction when you tell them what you repeatedly state here?

    More on topic, I wonder why Duval feels the need to keep plugging away? I shall make the giant assumption that, with his prior earnings, he doesn't quite feel the pressure to provide for his family and, with a toiling back may be a quiet slide to the other side of the microphone would be better for his health (and income), if such a spot exists.

    Perhaps, then, he genuinely feels that he has still got "it" or can get "it" back. Good luck to him.

  • Comment number 34.

    He wears sunglasses because at college he struggled with dust and pollen allergies, and was accused of slow play because he struggled to focus and see well. Thus he wore sunglasses to counter that.

    There was a really good interview with his form coach Puggy Blackmon about DD and the differences between him & Tiger and why DD came across as aloof and arrogant - interesting he used Bob Rotella very early on after leaving college - and if anyone here has not read any of Bob Rotella's books then it is a great investment and a great insight into many minds in golf.

    One example was when Tom Kite took Bob on because his putting was poor - so Bob took him round the greens and worked on a few things then he took him out on to the course and blindfolded him - tried to make get more feel into his game. Tom shot 64!!

    A bit off topic at the end there sorry.

  • Comment number 35.

    Can we please go one blog without questioning the merits of the current number 1 & 2 English golfers and calling them bottlers / failures. Completely off topic and no need to use every possible opporunity to bash these guys.

    Duval bounced back onto our radar at the US Open in 09 at Bethpage where he tied for 2nd just 2 shots behind the winner Glover. I was watching some of the final round at our club and I remember a lot of people cheering for him. The consensus was that it was wonderful to see a Major winner and former world number 1 rolling back the years and seemingly on the brink of a return from the oblivion. Another reason for his popularity, aside from his humility on winning the Open, is that we humans identify and sympathise with the fallibility displayed by his spectacular fall in form which was caused by outside forces of health (mental and physical). Unfortunately his performance at Bethpage was in an isolation that year and he has not managed to continue on in that vein................................

  • Comment number 36.

    ...........................................Duval gave an interview to Golf Digest in 2004 years ago saying some of the best times of his life have been when he has played golf alone, in the fog, quoting a famous lyric- "In restless dreams, I walked alone." This is evidence of a shy insular man, who in many ways could have suffered greatly from the limelight.

  • Comment number 37.

    Tom Lewis will be the next English man to win a major...just like David Duval did...and he will probably win the british open like David as well.
    Nick Faldo 1996 major winner
    next English man to win a major
    Tom Lewis 20??

  • Comment number 38.

    I have always respected David Duval as a player but especially when he became Open Champion. He commented that travelling the world as the Open Champ made him realize that the respect and excitement that he and the Cup received told him that this was the Golf Championship of the World. Also one year when Europe won the Ryder Cup he went alone to celebrate with the Europeans while his teammates suffered in silence in their room.

  • Comment number 39.

    I agree with David Duval...the british open is the main major to win...the most respected by the players and fans alike.

  • Comment number 40.

    Excellent article Iain. Nice to see something insightful and that gets the casual golf fan thinking about more than just Tiger Woods. More like this please!

    As for DD, like most have commented above, was truly impressed with his humility on winning the Open, highlighted again by his mere presence at Q school. A class act, here's hoping he rediscovers some form soon.

  • Comment number 41.

    Westwood and Donald dont have the bottle to win Majors. They cant handle the pressure.
    Seen Duval play a few times during his reign and he was a class act. He really should have won more Majors but no denying he's a true champion and has the respect of the golfing public.
    @ Tim, in and out of the banter he fires about BiloMcT probably has the most insightful comments on here, whats wrong with a bit of nater thrown in?

  • Comment number 42.

    David Duval's win at Lytham revealed as the man he was and not what we all perceived him to be. He wore his sunglasses as protection against the crowd as much as anything. I thought he was another pretentious american - particularly after his strutting in Brookline, but his winners speech in 2001 has stayed with me ever since.... a true pro and this is echoed from IC's excellent post...

  • Comment number 43.

    Perfectly decent blog up until the point where you felt the need to have a pop at a guy suffering from alcoholism

  • Comment number 44.

    Great blog IC. I was privileged to be at Royal Lytham in 2001 to enjoy DD's win - he has a great attitude. I expect he will keep himself in pretty good shape and fight on and will look forward to the Champions Tour in 10 years time. I therefore cannot agree with 25 gbell - he's not past it. We need more sportsmen, that are in the public eye with this work ethic. He's an excellent example & encouragement for us hackers to try and find some time to work on our games.

  • Comment number 45.

    Decent blog Iain, but why the decline in blogs? You part time now or what?

    Would like to have seen some European Tour school musings. Some interesting players in stage 2 participation. Eddie Pepperell trying to break into the big time, Raymond Russell and Peter Baker still trying to get back on tour, surprisingly American Peter Uihlein in the starting line up at Costa Ballena.

    Young star wannabe Sam Hutsby is also hoping for better fortunes. Looked destined for the top when he first turned pro but seems to have gone pear shaped for him this season.

    Who'd ya fancy to make it this year? Zane Scotty maybe?

  • Comment number 46.

    This man is a rarity amongst our friends across the pond. A true gentleman and a credit to this great game. If majors were awarded for nothing more than dignity this man would have won more than anyone in history. You go DD and prove once again that your game is up there with the best

  • Comment number 47.

    A true gentlemen and a credit to golf. Good luck DD.

  • Comment number 48.

    Cant help but laughing at the people who feel sorry for Duval's fall from the top of world golf.The guy has an amazing lifestyle,has made millions and all this with absolutly zero charisma.
    He only made those millions cus he has played in a time when even fairly mediocre golfers are millionaires.
    Still im sure he has more tallent than many of our "world class" premiership footballers earing stupid money for being truely average.
    Back to the 9-5 for me tomorrow....how he is suffering!!!!!

  • Comment number 49.

    I was fortunate enough to have Dinner with DD at Muirfield a few years ago and he genuinely is a nice guy.
    Earlier that year he had split with hid long term Girlfriend and the rumour was this had affected his play.
    Wish him success at Tour School and hope he continues to enjoy the game he loves.

  • Comment number 50.

    @48 Just a bit bitter & twusted then? lol

  • Comment number 51.

    "twisted"

  • Comment number 52.

    Darrell1512 (#46):
    Great that you like David Duval. I agree with you. But why the swipe against Americans?
    Here is a list of the top 10 US players in the world rankings...
    Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, David Toms, Bill Haas.
    Who among them deserves this sort of disrespectful comment? If you are saying that Duval is a prince among men then he is a prince among all men, not just the American contingent. Remember that he was not particularly liked until he won The Open when we got to know what he is really like. What do we know about the list above to claim they are any less gentlemanly and credit-worthy than Duval?

  • Comment number 53.

    Right let me get this right, David Duval was a world class golfer?? he won 19 tournaments? not exactly world class? And i see some people contradicting on here too, saying that Duval will always be a legend because he won a major? Will he not fall into the bracket as a one hit wonder? Like some people were saying on previous blogs?
    Also i am finding it very hard to sympathise with someone who earned $400,654 in 2011, $919,584 in 2010, $623,824 in 2009 and between 1995 and 2001 won millions with money earnings of over a total of $18 million!! It really looks like he is struggling to look after his family as Iain mentions in the blog to some degree!
    Duval as been used to being in the limelight and to me this just looks like he is trying to get back in it! Why does Iain purposley never seem to want to mention Tigers return?? After two weeks were Tiger as returned and all the hype and everything thats happened we get a blog about David Duval!

  • Comment number 54.

    Iain you need to talk about golf news that is taking the world by storm so that we can debate and get more people blogging! A david Duval blog when we have just had a Presidents cup filled with plenty of gossip, its no wonder Blogger of the year Don247 as quit!

  • Comment number 55.

    @48 Sports_nut. Well said, here here!!

  • Comment number 56.

    @BiloMct is it true that David Duval used a belly putter in the Q school tournament??

  • Comment number 57.

    Maybe a 'one-hit wonder' in terms of majors, but I think if you reach no. 1 in the world then you don't deserve to be bracketed with the Curtis, Hamilton or Micheel's of the world. Not going to be remembered as a 'legend of the game' or any such like, and at 40 it's not very likely he'll ever be a force again.

    Anyway, I'm sure your young mate james mathew will be along shortly to debate matters further.

  • Comment number 58.

    I think to say you dont feel sorry for someone who suffered from "Debilitating Vertigo and depression" because they have lots of money is pretty stupid and ignorant. They're conditions and sadly money isnt the cure.

    Not that i can see anywhere in this blog where DD seeks sympathy, it seems not for him the attention seeking shenanigans anyway.

  • Comment number 59.

    #M**kySau***e
    "its no wonder Blogger of the year Don247 as quit!"

    Sounds like your in love.

  • Comment number 60.

    mickysausage i really hope DD isnt a Belly Putter man is he?
    Drinks update:-
    BiloMcT - Beer
    mickysausage - Beer
    Sumo82 - Beer
    CHUMBAWUMBA12 - Beer
    Don247 - Beer
    JeffKenna - Beer
    james mathew - Beer, Sometimes Cider

  • Comment number 61.

    BiloMcT: Whiskey for me mate! But ill order my own as I wont be joining starwars convention.

  • Comment number 62.

    @Jimmy, so do you feel sorry for woods then? Do you feel sorry for John Daly? Do you feel sorry for Ben Curtis? Do you feel sorry for Chris Di Marco? All these players have suffered!

  • Comment number 63.

    JamesMatthew... now now, we dont want Don coming on and making you cry again do we?

  • Comment number 64.

    There are some harsh comments on here. DD was a player in his time. Now it appears he is playing for the love of the game and that can be no bad thing

  • Comment number 65.

    Micky - If people are suffering from a clinical disease or condition that is affecting their wellbeing, such as DD then yes i do. If they are a bit down in the dumps just because they are playing rubbish then no i dont.

    As far as i am aware Tiger Woods hasnt suffered from a mental illness, he just slept about, got found out and got a bit of stick for it, so no, no sympathy on that count

  • Comment number 66.

    you like the hard liquor james mathew? i have decided i like you even though others dont. I will stick up for you from now on. you are a good blogger.

  • Comment number 67.

    JAMESMATTHEWS, why you have be a troll? We dont need no Troll on here! Mickysauasge talks golf and so does BiloMct and Jimmy so why do you make names at the them! As my dad always said JAMESMATTHEWS β€œthese children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds, they are immune to your consultations, they're quite aware of what they're going through!

    Anyway rant over, Tiger Woods showed his true grit in the presidents, does anyone think he may win a few tournaments next year?

  • Comment number 68.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 69.

    The Sorcerer, I always suspected that you were a wind-up, but now I know you are - unless your David Bowie's son?

    I think Woods showed in the Presidents Cup what he's shown recently in that he lacks consistency and can't yet put a good week together. But yes, I expect him to win in 2012, although I wouldn't necessarily say that it'll be a major.

  • Comment number 70.

    BiloMcT....why thank you!
    I am a good guy...its just bullys dont like me cos I push back. Not mentioning names Don263, Mi**ySausage the slimy sick man and TheSorcerer.

  • Comment number 71.

    Tiger Woods is still my favourite golfer to watch...but I dont see that drive or determination in his eyes on the golf course we seen back in 2003.
    I think he might win an event in Asia next year with a below par field but not on the PGA or European Tour Im afraid

  • Comment number 72.

    From hero to zero, he hasn't quite reached there yet, but there are plenty of instances of former US Tour Pro's who ended up on the breadline. I read of one guy who was stacking shelves in Wall Mart, another who drives a hearse for a funeral company just to make ends meet. I read Duval has 5 kids, which can be a real expensive hobby, you know what American kids are like, they are loud and they eat like horses. I bet he can't wait to go to Q School, just to get out of the house. Of course what a lot of Tour Pros who are stressed out or at a low ebb do, is hit the bottle and when that happens, they really can end up rock bottom. Good luck to Duval though, he seems a genuine enough guy.

  • Comment number 73.

    @70 james mathew, don't count on support from BiloMcT. He'll drop you just as soon as some other mug comes along. I used to respect him 5/10, but now its only 3/10.

  • Comment number 74.

    Pretty amusing Micky. And i almost went on Wikipedia to find out exactly what Avagash disorder is.

  • Comment number 75.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 76.

    .........OH and i hate MickyWeir but he doesnt come on anymore

  • Comment number 77.

    mickysausage, they're not your friends. Just the other day I overheard TheSorcerer and Don247 slagging you off.

  • Comment number 78.

    Duval is more than a "one hit wonder". He enjoyed a two year spell in the game that has scarecely been rivalled in golf. As Iain points out 11 wins in 34 tournaments- that ain't half bad. And it is a shame that he was struck down in his prime by his condition vertigo (and no Tiger's sex addiction "Condition" cannot be comparable, this is an actual illness not just some chap who can't control his trouser-snake, nor should the other addictions mentioned which are products of a lack of self-control). An incredible talent that, through events outside his control, never fulfilled it's true promise. The thing I find most commendable, despite everything that has happened, how low his game and rankings have fallen, there is still a belief that if he keeps working hard he may one day rediscover the magic and reap the reward. Best of luck to him.

  • Comment number 79.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 80.

    mickysausage, you say you like Sumo82 and hate powerhitter? they are the same person! Sumo82 has been posting as powerhitter for a while now!
    i am friends with james mathew, golfnut99, jimmy, Don247, jeffkenna and PeterTheHoss. i dont like anyone else

  • Comment number 81.

    LOL! i like everyone!!! except mickysausage.

  • Comment number 82.

    Bilo, I use a belly putter :)

  • Comment number 83.

    @Jamesmatthew that is BANG out of order!! Making a remark like that about JeffKenna, you cant say words like that on this blog JeffKenna is not a raging l**bian he's a man, and he definatley doesnt do them things you said! Jeffkenna is my friend!

    Golfnut99 you have been relegated to my hate list!

  • Comment number 84.

    it would appear that jamesmathew has hit one out of bounds. Let's hope he, like John Daly recently, has no more "balls" left in the bag and is force to take a leave of absence from the blog

  • Comment number 85.

    #mickysausage

    haha you really think people are that stupid do you?
    My comment got removed because of something I said about you...that I wish I would say to you in person but thankfully I will never meet you.

  • Comment number 86.

    Jamesmatthew stop trying to get out of it now, i bet i'm not the only person who seen and doesnt like your comment about Jeffkenna!

    Jeffkenna it appears that Jamesmatthew as indeed done a John Daly and hit his ball directly into the lake, lets hope he as less lost "balls" than Daly, but being jamesmatthew i can see him hitting more than 7 out of bounds!

  • Comment number 87.

    i seen what he said about jeffkenna as well. disgraceful! james mathew you are no longer on my friends list.
    if ever a blog needed to hear from Don247 this is it!
    In the meantime i will see if John Hawksworth has said anything about The Presidents Cup

  • Comment number 88.

    If you want a real riches to rags story look no further than John Morgan. Had a brief sip from the cup of success when gaining both a European Tour and PGA Tour card in 2003 (only ever done by 1 other player) and losing a playoff to Mark Hensby on the PGA.

    No sooner had the cup been filled then was taking away from under his nose after illness and loss of form every since he's been scratching around trying to get back on tour.

    A very similar story to Duval, but Morgan did has not had the success or indeed the financial rewards to fall back on like Duval.

    BUT, he's at Costa Ballena at Stage 2 Q School after finishing 4th in stage 1.

    Good luck John.

  • Comment number 89.

    Great blog ian, its nice to hear about a few other people who aren't neccessarily in the limelight at the moment.

    Bilo - I have been away for a week, not posting as powerhitter, you idiot.

    maxmerit - I'm sure he'll not go short, he must surely stll have millions tucked away!

    james mathew - Don't be slagging off jeffkenna, he's a pillar of honesty on this blog.

    The sorcerer - Are you creating your own personal band aid ?

    Jimmy - I think if you would have googled Avagash you'd be on a disciplinary tomorrow morning!

  • Comment number 90.

    Well said @Daffy brilliant post! You are now on my friends list.

    BiloMct i would probably say and it kills me saying it but i think John Hawksworth could write a better blog than Iain at the minute!

  • Comment number 91.

    I think this good blog, david duval is nice guy and a embassodor to golf, did anyone see Tiger Stare Steve Williams out when they shook hands at the presidents? if looks could kill....

    My Likey Persons
    ----------------
    BiloMct
    Mickyusausage
    Sumo82
    Jeffkenna
    PeterTheHoss
    Daffy

    Hated persons
    --------------
    Don247
    Jimmy

    Bullies
    ------
    powerhitter
    jamesmatthew

  • Comment number 92.

    TheSorcerer, you didn't answer my previous question....

    Is David Bowie your father?

  • Comment number 93.

    Powerhitter i think he must be some sort of musical god with some of his catchphrases!

  • Comment number 94.

    Jimmy have you looked up Avagash disorder? Sumo82 your right if jimmy looked it up he would know what its all about!

  • Comment number 95.

    Sumo82 is 100% powerhitter. he admitted it to me.
    mickysausage, i will contact John Hawksworth and tell him we need a blog from him to follow.

  • Comment number 96.

    Oh Yeah Micky, I looked it up. How terrible!! I feel humbled and embarrased, I'll never say a bad word against poor old Tiger again

  • Comment number 97.

    Bilo - Pass a message on to John Hawksworth for me please.....
    'john your was a cr*p golfer and an even worse commentator'
    cheers

  • Comment number 98.

    Sumo82, ill also apologise to John for your terrible use of English...'john your was a cr*p golfer and an even worse commentator'.....that makes sense!
    i liked you more when you were powerhitter. I bet you are also james mathew.

  • Comment number 99.

    David Duval has always had severe eye problems, which is why he wears dark glasses. It is a tribute to overcoming this handicap in his victorious years that I admire him. I have similar problems myself.

  • Comment number 100.

    @profchart is that a true story or are you telling porky pies?

Μύ

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