When Davis Love III caddied for Davis Love IV at the U.S. Open last month, it felt like the end of an era. Sure, Love won as recently as 2015 at the Wyndham Championship, but he just turned 53 and it feels like his best days are behind him. Love doesn't have a top 40 on the PGA Tour this season and doesn't have a top 60 this calendar year.
Then he teed it up at the Greenbrier Classic this week.
Love shot a stunning 63 on Thursday, and he followed it up with a 69 on Friday to get to 8 under and sits T4 going into the weekend, four back of leader Sebastian Munoz. Love actually made six birdies on the day but also made five bogeys for the 1-under score. He's second in the field with 13 birdies on the week.
"Hit a lot good shots today and hit the wrong club a couple times and didn't hit it quite as close," Love said. "Although I had two kick-ins, I had a lot that I didn't get close to the hole.
"And then missed a few greens from the middle of the fairway or on par-3s that was disappointing. But, feel like I am still playing well, rolling the ball well. I misread a couple putts. Yesterday they all went in or I cozied them up there close; today my speed was a little bit off on some long ones."
These are the shots you Love to hit.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/c5g6GPEpoR
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 7, 2017
At 53, Love would be the oldest winner in PGA Tour history. He's already the third-oldest to win behind Sam Snead and Art Wall. In a season filled up with young, superstar winners, Love would be a complete throwback.
| Golfer | Age | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
Sam Snead | 52 years, 10 months | 1965 | Greater Greensboro Open |
Art Wall | 51 years, 7 months | 1975 | Greater Milwaukee Open |
Davis Love III | 51 years, 4 months | 2015 | Wyndham Championship |
Jim Barnes | 51 years, 3 months | 1937 | Long Island Open |
John Barnum | 51 years, 1 month | 1962 | Cajun Classic |
"I'm chasing a lot of things: FedEx points and trying to get in the Open Championship and trying to get back in the winner's circle," Love said. "I've been working hard the last three or four weeks just trying to get myself and my game in shape well enough to compete.
"Guys keep saying, 'When you going to the Champions Tour?' I don't want to go quite yet full time. I know the time is coming, but I'm enjoying my time out here and want to see if I can still compete. I'm always excited to go play. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself and try too hard. I'm always excited to get out and play."
Love has some no-names and some strong names that he'll have to hang with on the weekend. In addition to Munoz at 12 under, Ben Martin and Hudson Swafford are both at 9 under, and Danny Lee and Russell Henley join Love at 8 under.
"It's nice when you start off the week with a chance," Love said. "I feel like I'm in it, so that gets me going and puts a little more bounce in my step. People even question that I can make it around 18 holes carrying a golf bag at the U.S. Open. I go, I'm old but not done yet. I can get around. Walk in a place like this, a great golf course, playing well, gives you a lot of energy.
"These guys are pros and they're ready to go. Hopefully I can catch (Munoz) and get in the last group with him on Sunday."
