Win column trumps erratic 2010 form for Furyk

Thu, Jul 29 10 05:38 AM

Jim Furyk is usually one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour but this year he has happily traded surprising lapses in form for two victories on the U.S. circuit.

The American world number five heads the field at this week's Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where another win would earn him the best return of his career in a single season.

"It would be great to have a three-win season," Furyk told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round at The Greenbrier. "I've never done it.

"Two was my most in a year, so it would be nice to break new ground," added the 15-times PGA Tour champion, a double winner on the U.S. circuit in 2003, 2006 and again this season.

"As I've always said, that's the goal every week. Winning golf tournaments is really what drives everyone."

U.S. Open champion at Olympia Fields in 2003, Furyk is renowned for his unorthodox swing, his driving accuracy and his consistent scoring.

Although his form this year has been a little sketchy with three missed cuts and just four top-10s in 15 PGA Tour starts, he has been happy with his overall results.

SORE SPOT

"The last couple of years, in '08 and '09, I didn't win and that was a sore spot with me," the 40-year-old said. "I talked a lot about it in the press.

"I was very consistent in those years, had a lot of top finishes and opportunities to win, but I never got over the hump."

In March, Furyk ended a title drought of nearly three years by clinching the Tampa Bay Championship and he went on to win the Heritage Classic in a playoff the following month.

"This year has been a little bit of an opposite year," he said. "I've been a little bit more inconsistent; I've missed a few cuts. I haven't had nearly as many top-10 finishes, but I've always said I would trade it.

"The goal is to win some golf tournaments so to get over that hump this year and win those events has been a lot of fun."

Furyk is scheduled to tee off with Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Australian Mark Hensby in Thursday's opening round on the par-70 Old White Course at The Greenbrier.

Should the American triumph at The Greenbrier on Sunday, he would replace South African Ernie Els at the top of the FedExCup standings.

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