And though Duval and Karavites very nearly pulled off the feat — they were tied for the lead with four holes left in Sunday’s final round in Orlando — they were turned away by Angel Cabrera and his son Angel Jr., who were late additions and first-timers to the field after Curtis and Tom Strange withdrew.
Duval and Karavites, who trailed by two going into the final round, eagled two of their first five holes on Sunday, with Duval chipping in at No. 3. But after they tied the Cabreras with a birdie on No. 14, they parred their last four, allowing the Argentines (pictured) to pull away.
Duval and Karavites shot their second straight 11-under-par 61 to finish at 22-under 122, leaving them tied for second in the 20-team field and three back of the Cabreras, who matched the tournament record at 25-under 119. The Duvals played their final 27 holes of the scramble tournament in 18 under par.
The other team with Colorado ties, Aspen resident Justin Leonard and dad Larry, finished 19th on Sunday at 10-under 134 after consecutive rounds of 67.
Last year’s victory by Duval was his first in a nationally televised tournament since 2001, the year the former world No. 1 won the British Open. Other players with strong Colorado connections who have won the PNC Father/Son Challenge are Craig and Kevin Stadler (2002) and Hale and Steve Irwin (2003).
To qualify for the Father/Son Challenge, players must have won either a major championship or The Players Championship in their careers. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card.
Coloradans David Duval and stepson Nick Karavites (pictured) captured the title last year in Orlando, and are in the hunt after Saturday’s first round of this December’s 36-hole event.
Duval and Karavites used a 29 on the back nine to fire an 11-under-par 61 and share third place in the scramble format, trailing leaders Angel Cabrera and Angel Cabrera Jr., by two strokes. Duval eagled the 14th hole on Saturday.
Mark and Shaun O’Meara are in second place at 60.
“I’d imagine we have to break 60 tomorrow to have a chance to win, but hey, stranger things have happened. I’ve even done it myself,” Duval said, noting the 59 he shot to win the Bob Hope Classic in 1999.
The other pair with strong Colorado ties competing this weekend, Aspen resident Justin Leonard and dad Larry, opened with a 67.
The players with strong Colorado connections to have won the Father/Son Challenge are Craig and Kevin Stadler (2002), Hale and Steve Irwin (2003) and Duval and Karavites (2016).
To qualify for the Father/Son Challenge, players must have won either a major championship or The Players Championship in their careers. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card.
For all the scores from the Father/Son, CLICK HERE.