Sips of Maginnes: Duval all smiles south of the border

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David Duval (left) signed autographs after the first round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico -- David Duval was all smiles last week at this spectacular coastal resort.

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Prior to the start of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun, he joked that he would be lucky to cover his expenses. He brought his wife Susie, without the kids, and they stayed in a beachside villa at the back of the property. A 79 on Friday that caused him to miss the cut didn't even dampen double D's spirits.

The precise ball-striking and deft putter that brought him into contention the previous week at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am didn't make the trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. But it was clear watching David play that he is not far away. The PGA TOUR moves back to Florida where David grew up next week. We just might see more of him on the leaderboards very soon.

* Conversely, John Daly played the weekend for the first time this season in Mexico. John said that he felt like his ball-striking was as good as it has been in years. His putting had been the problem over the last few months but he thinks that he has found a fix. He's weakened his right hand, putting it more on top of the club, so he feels he will not break down with his left wrist at impact. This is a sound fundamental suggestion and could pay some dividends in the future. After a decent round on Friday he admitted that the move has caused him to move his head occasionally at impact. The good news is that he was practicing on the putting green while he talked about the new approach. We won't mention his struggles on Sunday.

*Joe Durant and J.P. Hayes played together all weekend in the final group and in spite of the fact that Cameron Beckman slipped past them on the back nine Sunday both were in a good mood. Walking down most fairways and on nearly every green the two were laughing and having a good time. It was good to see such incredible sportsmanship even though both men had to be disappointed with the outcome.

* Cameron Beckman earned his second win in 18 months and the third of his career at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. At 40, Cameron is playing the best golf of his career and certainly the best golf that he has ever played this early in a season. He won without his best stuff on Sunday and that is saying something.

* The thoughts and prayers of professional golf have been with Chris Smith and his children since last June when his wife Beth was killed in a tragic car accident. The couple's two children, Abigail and Cameron, were also injured in the accident.

Chris received a sponsor's exemption to play in Mexico, where he made his first start since the tragedy. He beamed and spoke like any father about how proud he was of his children's strength and resilience. With his dad on the bag, it was an emotional return for Chris, who shot even par and missed the cut by one. The game will always be there for Chris, but right now he doesn't know how much of his time he will be able to dedicate to his career.

Chris has always been popular among his peers on TOUR, quick with a joke and a smile. He wanted to take the opportunity to thank them -- publicly and privately -- for their support. One thing was clear, the tragedy has certainly taken its toll but it hasn't broken his spirit. He credits Abigail and Cameron for that. We credit the entire Smith family for their grace and dignity and hope that we see Chris again soon.

*Prior to attending the Mayakoba Golf Classic I had heard that it was one of the best kept secrets on the PGA TOUR. The players raved about the way they're treated, the accommodations and the Greg Norman-designed golf course. After seeing this gem by the Caribbean Sea it is easy to understand why.