David Duval still does not know what effect his burnt thumb and finger will have on his chances of winning the US Open this week. The world number one suffered the injury on Friday picking up a pot off a stove at his new home and has not gripped a club since. "I've been trying to put it off as long as I can because of the blisters," said Duval. "If this wasn't US Open week I may not have played, but there is no way I'm missing this. There's no two ways about it."
The 27-year-old, the leading money-winner in America this season with over £1.75 million after four wins, had no intention of hitting balls on his arrival at Pinehurst yesterday. Instead he said he would just walk the course.
He may just limit himself to one round today before he tees off in the first round at 7.30 a.m. on Thursday.
"I was pretty lucky because I did it right next to the refrigerator and was able to stick my hand in an ice box within 10 seconds.
"Within an hour I was at the doctor's and had some antiseptic cream put on. "There is a possibility that when the blister bursts it could get infected and make it worse. But I'm obviously going to try to avoid that."
Some new skin may be applied to try to further protect the thumb and finger, Duval admitting that the affected areas are right on important pressure points for the golf swing.
Duval and world number two Tiger Woods - winner of his last two tournaments - are the two favourites for the event.
Duval is paired in the opening two rounds with fellow American Phil Mickelson and Paraguay's Carlos Franco and they will have virtually finished their first rounds when Woods begins his challenge in the company of Britain's Lee Westwood and former champion Corey Pavin.
Scotland's Andrew Coltart will miss the tournament, however, because of a rib muscle injury.
He played just one round of the German Open last week before flying home, and since he was struggling to breathe the decision was made not to make the journey to the expected stifling heat of North Carolina.
Coltart lies ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings, but could slip down over the weekend as the US Open is a ranking event.
