Welcome to PGATOUR.COM’s newest feature.
Each Monday, the Backspin will provide insight and analysis on the latest results, happenings and news on the PGA TOUR. We welcome your feedback to let us know what you think! DAVID BEING DAVID: David Duval is on the way back. How far back, we don’t know. But probably not back to being one of the top 10 players in the world, even if that’s what he still considers himself. “I’m on the precipice,” Duval said during Saturday’s rain-delayed third round of the Valero Texas Open. “I’ve put all the components back together, and now I’m gaining confidence. I did it entirely to play great.” And that’s exactly what Duval did for two rounds in Texas, where he finished T63 after shooting 72-71 on the weekend. But for Duval to get back to the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking or in the eyes of the fans, it’s going to take a while and a lot more 66s and 69s than 71s and 72s. Duval questions those who doubt his commitment, and who can blame him He is wired a little differently, and when it comes to knowing David, no one knows better than, well, David. Here’s what I know: It sure would be one heck of a comeback story. — Brian Wacker BILLY BALL: It was nice to see Bill Haas make a run at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday, even if a bogey at the par-3 17th dropped him back to 14 under and caused him to miss out on a playoff by one shot.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from Haas. Sunday’s tie for third matched the best finish of his PGA TOUR career, which — believe it or not — is already a shade over 4 years old. It’s been a decent year for Haas so far with five top-25 finishes, but he needs more consistency — evidenced by his seven missed cuts in 14 starts. It’s feast or famine out there.