It's Open For Duval

By Chris Dachille: Associate Editor

He's the anti-hero. The guy in the modern movie who you don't know if you should root for him. He's a loner, aloof into his own world. He doesn't really care if you like him. He shows up, does what he needs to do and gets out of the Dodge.

That's David Duval. For ten years, he's disappointed golf critics and fans. They say he should have won a major by now. They say he'll never match up to Tiger. Some say that he's worse than Phil Mickelson, or (gasp) Justin Leonard. After all, Justin does have a major win.

In another country this weekend, overlooked by the British tabloids and even some journalists in the States, David Duval finally won his major. Duval finished a superb four rounds of golf Sunday by removing his trademark wraparound sunglasses and actually showing some emotion. Watching the press conferences after Saturday's round, David Duval was the only guy not to show emotion. He almost fit into the role of a European. After all, us bloody Yanks show too much emotion when we actually achieve something, don't we?

Duval's resume includes big time tournament wins including The Player's Championship, The Tour Championship, The World Series of Golf and Mercedes Championships. Now he can add the most prestigious tournament worldwide in professional golf.

Here in America, we care about the Master's and the U.S. Open. Worldwide, the big deal is the Open Championship (not the British Open, as it's called in America). The entire world agrees the PGA Championship is a joke.

The first couple of pages after Saturday's third round was a virtual melting pot of golfers worldwide. After the first couple of holes Sunday, it was over. The saddest story involved Ian Woosnam and his caddy. After Woosy nearly holed his tee shot on the par three first, a spotter noticed Woosnam had one too many clubs in his bag. In golf, you are only allowed 14 clubs. Ian had 15. Two stroke penalty. Out of tournament. A post script -- Woosnam said he would keep his caddy saying the lad will never make that big of a mistake again in his life.

After the win on Sunday, Duval didn't jump up in the air or run around the green. He shook Berhnard Langer's hand, signed his card and gave his same dull press conference.

This weekend, as the summer wind blew quietly into Lytham, a quiet man won a golf tournament.

Yeah, but he'll never match up to Woods.

Right?

Article courtesy of CPKSports.com