When will Duval return to action?

DUBLIN, Ohio — David Duval had a hotel room reserved near Muirfield Village, but the 5 p.m. deadline passed last Friday without him signing up to play in the Memorial.

So, the wait continues.

The former British Open champion and last player other than Tiger Woods to be No. 1 in the world ranking, Duval has not played on the PGA Tour since he missed the cut in the Las Vegas Invitational in October. He tried to play the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan in late November, but withdrew with a back injury.

The date of Duval’s return has been a mystery.

He is said to be playing a lot of golf at his new home in Denver and working on his game.

Duval entered the U.S. Open (he is exempt through 2006 because of his British Open victory), although his absence from the Memorial raises questions about whether he will play in two weeks at Shinnecock Hills. Duval also beat the May 27 deadline to enter the British Open to ensure a spot in the field if he decides to return at Royal Troon.

Still, the best guess is that Duval won’t return to the PGA Tour until the International the first week in August.