They nearly won the Open? Go figure

The parallel failures of David Duval and Ricky Barnes since the U.S. Open grow in astonishment considering how close each came to winning the national championship. Both are in danger of finishing outside the top-125 money winners and losing their PGA Tour exemption.

Duval has made the cut in one of six starts since the Open, a tie for 63rd his only payday. He's fallen to 121st on the money list.

Barnes has made the cut only twice in eight starts since the U.S. Open, a tie for 59th his best finish. He has missed six straight cuts and has dropped to 119th on the money list

Recall that they both tied for second in the Open, two strokes behind winner Lucas Glover. This qualifies as a freefall. They have three weeks left to break their fall, starting with the Frys.com Open this week in Scottsdale, Ariz. Both are entered.

-- John Strege