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Mar 22nd, 2017
Just saying... David Duval
The GP 'big-up'
Words: Tim Southwell Photography: Getty Images
In 1999, David Duval became the first and only golfer in history to shoot a 59 in the final round of a PGA Tour event when he eagled the 18th hole at the Palmer Course at PGAWest in La Quinta, California, to win the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic by one shot. Before 1999, only two other golfers in PGA Tour history, Al Geiberger and Chip Beck had recorded a 59, let alone in the last round.
2001. Lytham & St Annes. The start of the beginning of the end of the not sure what...
Other career highlights include achieving the number one spot in the OWGR in April 1999, and it seemed we were in for an incredible period of competition between Duval and Tiger Woods. When Duval won the 2001 Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, we knew Duval was going to become one of the greats of the game. His humble acceptance speech made him even more popular.
Then his game went to pot and he fell to 758th in the world or something. A combination of back, wrist and shoulder injuries, difficulties in his private life and a bout of vertigo similar to that suffered by Jason Day at Chambers Bay, have been blamed and Duval hasn’t won a tournament since since Lytham.
"It looked better this morning. In the dark..."
Out of nowhere he finished tied second in the 2009 US Open at Bethpage. The world was willing him on but the trophy ended up in Lucas Glover’s mitts. Duval joined the Golf Channel this year as a pundit and his gracious, insightful comments have already earned praise.
Players Champion, Open Champion, Ryder Cup star, World Cup winner (With Tiger Woods) and the greatest 59 ever shot. David Duval, we salute you.
