David Duval’s final round at the 1999 Bob Hope Classic

Timonesss · November 2011

Casual audiences across America are likely drawn to the Bob Hope Classic to see their favorite celebrities take to the green. Fans of professional golf, on the other hand, know that the tournament has seen some great performances from the pros over the years. While the storied event goes back to 1960, no performance has been greater than the one I saw from David Duval in 1999.

Then the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Duval's finish there at PGA West in La Quinta, California, was just part of what would be a great year for the young golfer. The year before, Duval had been the PGA Tour's leading money winner, and had been awarded the Vardon Trophy as well as the Byron Nelson Award. Pro golf fans, who expected great things from Duval in '99, knew he was worth watching. Nevertheless, few could have expected as dramatic a finish as Duval had on the Palmer Course that year.

While Jester Parnevik won by a shot with a 65 in 2000, Duval's final round the year before could not be eclipsed, especially for those like me who saw it. If nothing else, Duval's near flawless swing carved out a spot for the golfer among the most talented pros of the time, demonstrating form and technique which doesn't get much better. Indeed, that full swing would be analyzed and extolled in the days and weeks following the event.

Throughout the event, Duval's zen-like demeanor might as well have been the perfect juxtaposition to the celebs in the pro-am. The 27-year-old golfer displayed all the poise and focus of a hardened veteran, and played more consistently than some of the older golfers, whose experience couldn't match Duval's technique and strength. Duval had birdie and eagle putts on 17 holes, leaving little question as to who was on track to secure a victory.

By the end of five rounds, the only thing that stood between Duval and a win was a six foot eagle putt. Of course, Duval sunk the eagle, with a total finish of 26 under par and a 334 score. At the time, Duval's eagle made him the third golfer in the history of the tour to shoot under 60. It's a feat which may have been matched in the following years, but the perfection of Duval's performance that day remains a shining example.