Columnist Peter Benton: Duval seems fearless, but also mysterious

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 21, 1999 | 12:31 p.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

What's David Duval -- without doubt the man of the moment -- really like? On the golf course, he appears to be quite emotionless and possibly even surly.

To be fair, there are very few of the new breed of professional golfers (with the possible exception of Tiger Woods who is either fist-pumping or pouting), who seem to have any emotion whatsoever. A shame to be sure, as it almost appears as if a lobotomy were a prerequisite these days for success on the Tour.

(I appreciate it's easy to be critical and until one walks in somebody else's shoes, one should keep opinions to oneself. However ... )

Perhaps the negative impression Duval emotes is due to the fact that there is not too much of his face visible to show expression.

Between the mandatory cap, the designer shades and the off-and-on nondescript facial hair, there has not been much room for golf's hottest property's personality to escape. A generally monosyllabic interview technique never helped this talented fellow either.

But with frequent trips to the tower commentators, sans cap, shades and beard, Duval has revealed himself as a fresh-faced, articulate -- but not verbose -- young man who possesses a surprisingly winning and warm smile.

I figure that this man is a curious mixture. He is both introverted and shy yet exudes a tremendous self-belief.

He seemed to be the only one unfazed by the fact that he had recorded seven second-place finishes and four thirds before finally winning his first PGA regular tour event, knowing in his heart that it would happen sooner or later.

My, how it happened. Since that first victory in 1997, Duval has recorded his 11th Tour title, four of which have been achieved during this young season.

There is not one facet of his game that shows a weakness as he leads the Tour in scoring, putting, greens in regulation, birdies, total driving and the all-around category.

Duval is largely self-taught and that is reflected in his easy, natural swing. He's more on the order of an Ernie Els or a Freddie Couples, rather than a Woods. But like Tiger, he is absolutely fearless, particularly now that his confidence is soaring. Also, like those aforementioned players, he has the length to overpower a course.

Duval has always, it seems, marched to his own drum -- as his victory tipple will suggest. No Budweiser or Wild Turkey for this fellow, but Louis XIII cognac, a taste he discovered during celebrations after winning the 1993 Nike Tour Championship.

It is outrageously expensive. But even if David only has one or two snifters with each win, with the way he is going, a bottle isn't going to last too long.

/bf * SENIOR DOMINATION: Six Senior PGA Tour players have combined to win a minimum of 40 tournaments on the PGA and Senior PGA Tours.

Jack Nicklaus leads the way with 80 victories (70 on the regular tour and 10 on the Senior).

Arnold Palmer is next with 70 (60 and 10). He is followed by Billy Casper with 59 (51-8), Lee Trevino with 55 (27-28), Hale Irwin with 40 (20-10) and Gary Player with 40.