Open champion David Duval was blanked on the opening day of
the Telus Skins Game, one day after he captured his first major tournament.
Duval, playing with Vijay Singh, Mike Weir and Sergio Garcia,
failed to win a skin over the first nine holes in the $360,000 event. Singh collected
$90,000 in the tournament, which will conclude with the final nine holes Tuesday
at the Angus Glen Golf Club.
Weir, a Canadian, sank a six-foot putt worth $45,000. Garcia
took one skin, worth $15,000.
Singh, the 2000 Masters champion, waited until the ninth hole
to collect all of his money when he drained a six-foot birdie putt. His take came
after four carryovers.
Duval had just one hour of sleep after taking a 7 1/2 hour
flight from England following his win Sunday at the Open at Royal Lytham & St.
Annes. It was a rough start for Duval as his opening tee shot hit a tree on the
left side and the ball landed in the rough. He also hit the gallery with a shot
near the second green and hit the cart path on the fifth hole. In 1999, Duval
won $95,000 at this event.
Weir, who missed the cut at the Open, captured three skins
on the par-3 fourth hole after carryovers at the second and third. Weir is playing
this event for a fourth straight year, having won won $75,000 last year.
Garcia won his skin with an eight-foot birdie putt on the par-5
first hole. Last year, Garcia won $100,000 in his debut at this event.
The foursome will get some well-needed rest before returning
to the course for the back nine on Tuesday morning.
