the (dis)equilibrium theory: what brought duval's fall
I have a theory to explain what happened to David Duval. It goes something like this: some golfers, particularly those with unorthodox swings, have a certain comfort level or equilibrium that allows them to play well, even with quirks in their swing. But if you change the equilibrium, you run the risk of throwing off the swing.
Putting aside Duval's dramatic changes in his personal life, Duval had one big change in his golf game before his dramatic fall: he switched from a Titleist driver and Titleist irons to Nike. The stats are pretty telling (from Golf Channel):
Duval's victories with Titleist driver: 12 wins (including British).
Duval's victories with Titleist irons: 11 wins.
Duval's victories with Nike driver: 1 win.
Duval's victories with Nike irons: 2 wins (including British).
Now that David's changing his grip, the (dis)equilibrium may be getting worse. How does he get back the equilibrium? I don't know, but I'd think about a change in clubs, starting with the driver, his bugaboo. It's worth a shot.
8 Comments:
$5,000,000/year says he won't do it.
You fail to mention Duval's injuries. I think that this was the biggest reason for Duval's fall from grace.
Anonymous, your point is well taken. Duval did have an injury, although I don't think his injury is the No. 1 reason for his downfall. David Toms, Jim Furyk, and Tiger Woods all had injuries and surgery. Their play did plummet like Duval's. When someone is shooting in the 80s, even though he's healthy, something else is going on.
It seems to me that David's fall has more to do with his personality than equipment or illness. It was always obvious, to me, that he was uncomfortable 'at the top'. Maybe his initial drop was just due to an unconcious desire to become 'less visible'. Unfortunately, he 'fell' too far and the fall is difficult to turn around. I think the only thing he needs is a true deep desire to win again. When, and if, he gets that he will return....
The early decline could be attributed to a combination of injury and equipment. Now though, the desire and work ethic that made him number one has vanished. He transformed his physique and game in the 90's through tremendous discipline. The swing with all of its "personaility" was groomed through practice so it remained repeatable. Now there is no pratice during the off season, he hasn't spoken to his personal trainer from his hey-day in eons. Until the desire returns to put forth the effort he did when he was at the top, the scores that we see today will continue. I've been a big DD fan for years because of his singular focus that he had while he was at the top. That has vanished completely, maybe for now, maybe forever. His game will remian on hiatus until that desire returns. From my own standpoint I hope it does. However, with the happiness that he has right now outside of golf I don't think it ever will.
people very close to the pga tour said DD has had a big cocaine problem. remember all the weight he lost, thats a big sign.
That last blog might carry some merit. Although I thought that it might be marijuana, not cocaine. It is proven to cause amotivational syndrome-- he doesn't seem too motivated right now.
DD's and every golfers problem is Tiger Woods. Let's face it, Tiger is pressure and Duval got it in the worst way because he was on top.
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