SANDWICH, England – David Duval, the British Open champion just two years ago, left Royal St. George’s yesterday an angry man after finishing his two rounds at 19-over par.
While the balloonedscores of 83-78 seemed to fit neatly into place with Duval’s enigmatic struggle on the course as he’s tumbled down the world rankings and money leader lists, his British Open was cut short by a handful of poor holes rather than a rash of bad swings.
So when a questioner from the Royal & Ancient approached him after yesterday’s round and began by saying, “We’re all very sympathetic and sad about what has happened to your game,” Duval bristled and showed just how agitated he is about his falloff.
“We saw a 62 at Kemper a few weeks ago and hoped it meant you had turned the corner,” the questioner persisted. “Any comment on that?”
“Is there a question there for me?” Duval asked. “That’s exactly why I don’t want to talk, because you weren’t out there and none of those people were out there. So you’re asking me the same old stuff. I played 32 good holes of golf and made three triples and a quad and I’m out of the golf tournament. So thanks.”
“Can I just ask,” the reporter presisted, “there do seem to be a lot of theories around about what has caused the falloff in your game?”
“Let them find their own theories,” Duval snapped. “I try to explain my position and talk about it and nobody wants to put it out.”
With that, Duval said, “I had better stop there,” before storming off.
SANDWICH, England – How tough is this 132nd British Open?
Once the cut line was announced at 8-over par, 14 former major championship winners, who have won a total of 23 majors, went home early this week, failing to make the cut.
Heres a look at each player, his two-round score and his major titles:
Lee Janzen (+9): 1993, 1998 U.S. Open
Mark Calcavecchia (+9): 1989 British Open
Justin Leonard (+9): 1997 British Open
Jose Maria Olazabal (+9): 1994, 1999 Masters
Nick Faldo (+9): 1987, 1990, 1992 British Open, 1989, 1990, 1996 Masters
Jim Furyk (+10): 2003 U.S. Open
Bernhard Langer (+10): 1985, 1993 Masters
Sandy Lyle (+10): 1985 British Open, 1989 Masters
Hal Sutton (+10): 1983 PGA
Corey Pavin (+10): 1986 U.S. Open
Jeff Sluman (+11): 1988 PGA
David Toms (+11): 2001 PGA
Paul Lawrie (+13): 1999 British Open
David Duval (+19): 2001 British Open
