The Journey
The Journey
Greetings Golfers,
Do you remember David Duval? Kind of a weird question … he’s not dead … in fact, he just turned 53 a few days ago … but he’s been off the golf radar for a long time.
From 1997 to 2001 … he was at the top with Tiger. In 1998 he led the PGA Tour money list and also won the Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award for lowest scoring average. Then in 1991, he shot 59 in the last round to win the Bob Hope Classic at PGA West.
During that 5 year stretch, he played great in the Majors … but the Open Championship in 2001 was his only Major win. A few months after that, he won the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament - his last worldwide win.
At only 30 years old … he was basically done. I don’t know what happened. There was talk of injuries … and personal “stuff”.
I saw him play at the “Dayton’s Challenge” at Minneapolis GC in his glory days. As good as those guys were … he looked like he was in a different class. His swing looked effortless … and the ball seemed to stick on his club-face … so that he could just drop his shots exactly where he wanted … and that they would stay there. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
How that magic went away … I have no idea. But I would love to know. Duval is bright guy. Though I watch very little golf on television … I’ve seen him as a commentator on tournaments … and as an analyst in group discussions. He’s always insightful … and not afraid to disagree with the group.
Twenty years ago (?) … I was resting in the back of the Nike showroom at the PGA Show in Orlando. Duval sat down and just started shooting-the-bull with me. He was casual and down-to-earth. And just a friendly, bright guy. Seemed like someone you’d want to hang-out with at a Pub … or play golf with.
I’d like to know more about his “journey”. Tolstoy said “all great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town”.
Babysitting our granddaughters is really fun. And, I see better tv shows with them … than the junk we usually watch. The other night we watched “ Moana” … and a few weeks ago saw “The Lion King”. Talk about great stories! They aren’t literature … but Tolstoy’s saying applies to both of their “journeys”.
Those type of myths are embedded in our souls. They really grab me. The “journey” … filled with ups & downs … and then always the turning point of giving-up or stepping-up.
Too much of the junk aimed for us “adults” is the opposite. Not the heroic journey filled with meaning … but a bleakness based on a meaningless “journey”. That becoming “aware” means shedding the false truths of past civilizations and embracing a cold, cruel, empty world. Ugh.
At least they’re not making that garbage for kids. Or I hope not. I guess they think that having hope is only for children.
Well, I don’t look at the world like that. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I’d like to know more about David Duval’s “journey”. My hunch is it would be meaningful and hopeful … like what Tolstoy was talking about. I hope he shares it.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com