Wednesday, October 24, 2001
Short memories: Woods still had a big year
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
Two years ago, a newspaper columnist handicapping the field for
the NEC Invitational wrote that David Duval needed a victory at
Firestone to “salvage a disappointing year.”
All he had done was win four times before the Masters and shoot
59.
In the latest example of short memory, David Toms is being mentioned
as a possible challenger to Tiger Woods as PGA Tour player of
the year.
Toms is having a season that deserves some award. His victory
in the PGA Championship will be remembered for his gutsy decision
to play short of the water on the final hole, and he won two other
tournaments.
Is that enough?
“I definitely have to win again, and I don't think winning
Disney or the Buick Challenge would put me up there,” Toms
said when pressed about his chances. “I would have to win
the Tour Championship to even be considered.”
If Toms were to win the Buick Challenge and Tour Championship,
that would give him five victories, including a major — same
as Woods.
That's where the similarities end.
While Woods has only one top-10 finish since the first week of
June, don't forget the big picture. He won The Players Championship,
which many consider the fifth major. His Masters victory was historic,
giving him a clean sweep of the majors. He won a World Golf Championship,
plus Bay Hill and Memorial.
Woods already has wrapped up the money title and is a lock to
win the scoring title, too.
“Any guy that wins a major has got a case,” Davis Love
III said. “But The Players Championship is a pretty strong
backup. Right now, I think I'll be leaning that way. The Tour
Championship against the Players ... I think Tiger is still 1-up.”
David Duval added, “I don't even think it's a contest.”
The only award still undecided is rookie of the year.
There are plenty of candidates, although it likely comes down
to Jose Coceres (two PGA Tour victories) and Retief Goosen (U.S.
Open).
Both qualify for the award because the tour considers a rookie
season when players compete in their 10th official event as PGA
Tour members, or finish in the top 125 on the money list for the
first time.
Other candidates are Charles Howell II, David Gossett and Garrett
Willis.
Howell is the only candidate without a victory, although he could
make a strong case by playing his way into the Tour Championship,
then winning.
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