United States
Profile: David Toms
| Born | Monroe, Louisiana |
|---|---|
| age | 39 |
| height | 5ft 10in |
| Turned Pro | 1989 |
| World ranking | 16 |
| Appearances | (2) 2002-04 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Foursomes | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fourball | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Win Rate | 56% |
David Toms has been a steely competitor throughout his career and the Louisiana native showed remarkable resolve by winning this year's Sony Open in Hawaii just two months after having an operation on his heart.
The 39-year-old has been suffering from a rapid heartbeat for some time then severe dizzy spells last September meant he had to be airlifted to hospital during the first round of the 84 Lumber Classic. Remarkably he was back competing the following week in the President's Cup but then underwent five-hour surgery in November to cure the problem.
He was plagued with more bad luck in July when he was forced to pull out of this year's Open at Hoylake with a back injury. This immediately raised concerns for captain Tom Lehman who was fifth on the American points table at the time.
Winning the 2001 USPGA Championship remains Toms' career highlight and many believed the quietly-spoken American would go on to win more majors but to date that hasn't happened. By playing flawless golf all week Toms cruised to the 2005 WGC-Accenture World Matchplay title at La Costa where he trounced fellow team mate Chris DiMarco 6 and 5 in the final.
He is a generous individual who dedicates much of his time to help the under privileged children who suffer from low self esteem through his David Toms Foundation which was set up in 2003. The Foundation also raised over $1million for who lost so much in his home state of Louisiana through Hurricane Katrina.
If Toms has returned to full fitness his captain could realistically call on him every time given his experience and even temperament. However, it is more likely he will sit out one or two of the fourball fixtures.
- Paul Gallagher