2Duval rides bubble at Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – David Duval hopes it isn’t necessary, but he’s registered for the final stage of PGA Tour’s Q-School Dec. 2-7 at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Duval said Wednesday he isn’t certain he will go if he fails to secure his exempt playing privileges for 2010 at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic this week, but it’s an option he will consider.

At No. 125 on the PGA Tour money list, Duval is "on the bubble" going into this season’s final event. He said he registered for Q-School back in September before he knew he would be in this position. A year ago, he said he inquired about going to Q-School and learned he was two days late to register.

Duval, 38, the former No. 1 player in the world, has used his top-25 and top-50 career money exemptions. If he fails to stay in the top 125 in money this week, he loses his exempt status next season. Still, he could play with conditional status next year as a top-150 player. With unlimited sponsor exemptions, he could build a solid schedule.

“I find it ironic that I’m in the position I’m in right now,” Duval said. “Conceivably, I could be outside the [top] 125, not be exempt for the Tour and I’m in the first three majors.”

With his tie for second place at the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in June, Duval qualified for next year’s Masters and a return to the U.S. Open. He’s in the British Open as a past champion. His U.S. Open performance ignited belief he was returning to his championship form.

“I’m happy with the way things have gone with my golf swing and my game this year,” Duval said. “I’m very displeased with my results.”

Though he’s playing at Disney World, Duval is here on a business trip. His wife and children are back in Denver.