Duval shows signs of his past prowess

David Toms was curious, like so many others who get paired with David Duval.

They had not played together since the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage, where Duval was the reigning British Open champion. Duval shot 78 that day, the start of a spiral into one of the most mystifying slumps in golf.

Toms didn't know what went wrong. He only saw the scores.

Duval's five-year exemption on the PGA Tour from his British Open victory expires this season, something he was more aware of last year when he hit rock bottom. He shot more rounds in the 80s than the 60s, and the only cut he made in 20 starts on tour was a tie for 60th in the Texas Open.

It is important that he plays well this year, and his start to the season did not bode well. Fidgeting over his opening tee shot at the Sony Open, trying to find a posture that didn't cause his back to lock up, Duval hit a nasty hook that one-hopped off the driving range net and settled at the base of a palm tree.

Double bogey.

On the second hole, another wild hook.

Next tee.

"There you go," Toms said to him as Duval's drive found the third fairway.

And no doubt, Duval is making progress.

He had a birdie on the 18th hole Friday at the Sony Open to shoot 68 and make the cut on the number.

More proof came last week at the Bob Hope Classic, where he followed up 78 with 64 to make a second cut in a row.

"Are there little steps or small victories involved? Sure, I guess," Duval said. "Buy my goal isn't to make cuts. I know I'm playing well enough to win tournaments. It's a matter of staying with it."

Duval has had ample incentive to quit. Injuries have been such a part of his career that he is tired of talking about it. He is financially set and has never been happier. He dotes on his wife's three children, and he and Susie now travel with Brayden, a miracle son born to them last April.

He is driven to play well, even if he has a hard time explaining that to his skeptics.

"I know I was the best player in the world," he said. "I still feel like, if I'm healthy, I can be one of the better players - whether that's top five, 10, 20, whatever."