There were little expectations for David Duval this week. He hadn’t played in a month because of wrist injury, and when he had played, he hadn’t played well.
But Duval had high expectations for himself. This is the Masters, and the recent past doesn’t matter at Augusta.
Duval found the game Friday that had been missing, shooting 66. He stands at 7 under, tied for third halfway through the tournament. He’s looking forward to the weekend for the first time this year.
“As everybody knows, there’s been a lot of stuff going on,” Duval said. “I’m as jacked as can be. Like I said coming in here, I thought if I had one thing going for me, it’s that I’m the freshest player in the field.”
Not by design. Duval hurt his wrist while practicing after a poor showing in the Honda Classic. He had to withdraw from his next three tournaments, including the Players Championship.
Duval came into the Masters not knowing the exact state of his game. But after some uncertainty with his driver during the practice rounds, Duval hit a solid high cut with his first drive Thursday. He knew he was in good shape.
“I thought there would be a fair amount of rust but I guess I hit so many balls I grooved [the swing] pretty well,” Duval said. “I hopped right back on the horse.”
Duval usually finds himself near the top of the Masters leaderboard. He finished tied for third in 2000, tied for sixth in 1999 and tied for second in 1998.
Each close call has been heartbreaking. But it also strengthens his resolve to get over the top.
“You have to have some good breaks to win golf tournaments like this,” Duval said. “My intent coming in here is not to need those breaks by hitting the ball well, putting well and playing smart.
“But if I need [a break], I sure would like to get one.”
