Duval to play in Reno-Tahoe Open

The Rocky

Originally published 05:19 p.m., July 24, 2008
Updated 05:19 p.m., July 24, 2008

Photo by Peter Muhly © AFP/Getty Images

David Duval lines up a putt during the third round of th British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, on July 19.

RENO, Nev. — Cherry Hills Village resident David Duval, coming off three strong rounds at the British Open, said Thursday he would play next week in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open with hopes of building some momentum.

Duval, who has not won on the PGA Tour since his British Open victory in 2001, had said he could only play one time over the next two months because he is not eligible for the PGA Championship or any of the FedEx Cup playoff events. His daughter, Sienna, turns 1 next week and he planned to be at home for her birthday.

Instead, he's taking the family to Reno for some cake and golf.

Duval opened with rounds of 73-69 at Royal Birkdale and was three shots out of the lead, playing with eventual winner Padraig Harrington, when he shot 83 in the third round into gusts approaching 50 mph. He shot 71 the final day and tied for 39th.

Also playing in the Reno-Tahoe Open is Michelle Wie, and Duval had no complaints about the 18-year-old golfer with no status on any tour taking a spot in the opposite-field event.

"You're in or you're not in. It's pretty simple," Duval said. "Whether I agree if she should be playing — I think she would be better off on the Futures Tour competing against women — is neither here nor there. (Tournament director) Michael Stearns thinks she can bring people in, and that's his job. If some guy needs a spot in the field, chances are he's not going to sell any tickets. She might add 2,000."

Duval also said he would play the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, N.C., the week after the PGA Championship.