Duval is grateful for 'glimpse of greatness'

Published on Thursday 17 July 2008 22:49

DAVID Duval rediscovered vintage form when the former world No 1 shot a three-over-par 73 in difficult conditions to lie two strokes off the clubhouse lead in the Open first round.

"I've been expecting glimpses of greatness like this for a while," the 2001 champion told reporters after tucking in alongside Colin Montgomerie and two behind Retief Goosen, Mike Weir and Jim Furyk. The 36-year-old American was world No 1 in 1999 but is now down at 969th in the rankings.

With heavy rain and strong winds buffeting Royal Birkdale, Duval's chances of suddenly changing his fortunes seemed slight at the start of play.

"When I looked out of my window I thought 'Jeez, it's going to be a hard day'", the 13-times US PGA Tour winner said. "I'd have been very surprised to see a player go round in a decent score hitting the ball in the air, you've got to keep it down.

"I got a lot out of my game today because conditions were awful. If they'd said you can have a 73 and go back to sleep I'd have certainly taken it."

With title hopefuls Vijay Singh and Ernie Els returning 80s and world No 2 Phil Mickelson a 79, Duval's feat was even more startling.

"It would have been very easy to shoot 80 out there," he added. "Golf isn't about hitting great shots, it's about putting it all together at the right time.

"If I went out again in the same conditions I could hit the ball the way I did and might shoot 80.

"I felt very confident and I feel very good about the work I've done over the last few months, never mind about the past few years."