The Curious Case of David Gossett

The 20-year-old burst on the scene in 1999 and won the U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach in convincing style. He was a member of the 1999 Walker Cup team, which included Luke Donald and Paul Casey. He won the 2001 John Deere Classic. In a 2002 Golf Digest article Bob Verdi declares David Gossett and Charles Howell III the next wave of challengers to Tiger Woods. What happened?

Much has been made of David Duval's fall from the mantle of golf's elite. But it could be argued that Gossett's demise has been greater and deeper than that of Duval. This week in Australia at the Nationwide's Moonah Classic, Gossett shot a first-round 83, finishing last in the field. He has made two cuts on the PGA Tour since 2003 (2004 Honda (T-59) and the 2006 John Deere Classic (T-76) in over 40 starts. He entered seven 2007 Nationwide events and made one cut. The Tour Review is thinking of inviting Gossett to its annual Myrtle Beach outing in March; we'll give him 4 shots a side.