David Duval created a quasi-controversy when he took to Twitter on Monday to inform his fans that he hadn’t receive a sponsor exemption to the Humana Challenge, where he shot a final-round 59 to win the 1999 event.
Duval (@David59Duval) tweeted: “So it's official. I will not get a spot at the Humana.”
“I guess having the defining moment in the history if (sic) the event doesn't matter.”
The latter tweet was later deleted, but not before his peers took up his cause. Steve Flesch tweeted: “Rest assured DD, guys who got them are either still in college, built on hype, or best buddies with tourney dir. Political BS.”
John Cook, also a former Humana champion, wrote: “?@david59duval seriously DD?!! That makes me want to throw up a little. I guess Clinton got ahold of the registered voter list.”
The Bill Clinton Foundation is a tournament sponsor, and the former president has served as a tournament host.
Duval recanted on Tuesday, writing: “Please don't hate on the tournament. It holds a special place in my heart. It is an historical event for many reasons.
“All tournaments have the right to give their spots to whom they see fit. Again please don't hate on the Humana.
“I'm in the same boat as others asking for spots. I was just trying to let all know I will not be starting my season their (sic).
“Like I said before its up to me to get my status back and not have to ask for spots.”
Duval, who made the cut in only three of 17 starts in 2012, finished last among players who completed 54 holes at last year’s Humana, which makes its first cut after three rounds. Duval shot 12-over-par 228 to miss the cut by 18 shots.
