Duval serene despite slump

IT is probably just as well that David Duval, one of the most perceptive players in golf, has always had a much wider world view than most of his peers.

Last year, the likeable 31-year-old American failed to win a title for the first time since 1996 and his relative free-fall from the very top of the golfing pile in 1999 has been one of the most perplexing stories in the sport's history.

In 1998, Duval led the US money list with earnings of over $2.5 million. One year later, he became the third player to shoot a magical 13-under par 59 on the PGA Tour before eclipsing Tiger Woods as the game's number one on March 28 1999.