Duval gets no argument, but grit had a lot to do with his victory as well. On the par-5 9th he hit a gambling third shot through trees and landed in a greenside bunker. Duval considers his sand play the weakest part of his game, but just when he needed it, he nipped the ball beautifully and watched it roll into the hole for a birdie and a one-stroke lead that he would never relinquish. By converting each of his last six 54-hole leads into victories, Duval is clearly not only a frighteningly complete player, but also one who, after failing to win the first five times he led going into the final round, has evolved into a deadly closer. That's why he has supplanted Woods as the Masters favorite.
Woods invites the challenge.
I'll be ready for the Masters. David already is, all the more so because Bob will be with him at Augusta National. The old man might pick up a few more tips, but he also can remind his teacher of all the valuable lessons the two have learned together. An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.