Even before win No. 20, Love showed signs of comeback

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Davis Love's next mission on the PGA TOUR? Making the Presidents Cup squad.

Since the inception of the FedExCup, there have been numerous comparisons between the drivers of the golf ball and the drivers of the perpetual oval.

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Remember that the PGA TOUR got much of its inspiration for the FedExCup playoff system from NASCAR's Chase to the Exhaust Pipe. And, in an effort to tip its cap in thanks, NASCAR this year honored the PGA TOUR by allowing its playoff series to theoretically end before the final race.

They got Singhed.

Another major similarity in the two sports comes in the way the fans hold their favorite competitors in such high regard. They long to see their favorites, whether they're making a personal appearance to open a golf superstore or autographing air filters at a local parts place.

You can always get a gallery to come watch Arnold Palmer anytime he gets his clubs out of the trunk. And you know the NASCAR fans would come out of the woodwork if Richard Petty announced he was going to run one more race.

For the last few years the PGA TOUR fans showed that sort of allegiance to Davis Love III. Always a gallery favorite, spectators would follow the quiet man from Sea Island, Ga., partially out of respect, and partially in the hopes that he would find his game and thrill them again.

But after he won at the tail end of 2006 in Greensboro, Love has barely been a blip on the radar. His prospects looked even worse last fall when he tore two ankle ligaments after stepping in a hole during a round with some friends.

He required surgery and wasn't able to play until the TOUR arrived at Pebble Beach. Such a scenario -- age, plus injury -- has derailed many others.

Although the fans still came out to watch and many stayed behind to get hats and programs signed, it didn't look good for Love. There was that stretch this year prior to the Masters when everyone tried -- unsuccessfully -- to win him into the tournament.

And while Greg Norman and Vijay Singh both seemed to find the Fountain of Youth, Love was never able to get it going. He didn't even qualify for the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. At this rate, he was going to be representing Sea Bond (the denture adhesive) instead of Sea Island.

Then last week, Love up and won.

He shot a 64 -- yes, he played all 18 holes, smart guy -- in the final round and beat Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey to the finish line. It wasn't exactly simple; Love nearly hit it in the water at No. 17 and scrambled for a par, then flew the 18th green and into a bunker, but still got up-and-down for the winning par.

This was a significant victory for several reasons, even though Mickey Mouse came dressed like Adam Scott for the trophy presentation.

The win was the 20th career victory for Love. In PGA TOUR parlance, that means a lifetime exemption. No more worrying about staying within the top 125 and keeping his card. (Not that it mattered; Love would have been given as many sponsor exemptions as requested.) Love said he remembered how excited Lanny Wadkins was upon getting his 20th win, and know understands why.

Love has shown he can still play. In the Fall Series, he tied for third at the Turning Stone Resort Championship, tied for sixth at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and tied for 11th at the Frys.com Open.

Doesn't sound like he's finished, does it?

Only 44, there's no reason to believe that Love can't remain competitive until he's almost ready for the Champions Tour or until he's ready to captain the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

That's the other compelling reason. Love is virtually assured of one day leading the U.S. team. He's got one major title and his father, a club professional and longtime teacher, was a loyal member of the PGA of America.

For now Love wants to make the 2009 Presidents Cup team, which will be captained by his buddy Fred Couples. They're even talking about making one of those Bing Crosby-Bob Hope style road movies, maybe "The Road to the Ginn sur Mer Classic." Still not sure who will play the Dorothy Lamour part.

Most of all Love will look for win No. 21. He has no intention of stopping.

"I've been saying all along I want to get to 20 because you can't get to 21 or 22 or 23 until you get to 20, and 20's been a long time coming," Love said.