No idea how I missed this, but according to GolfDigest's Bob Verdi, there were rumors that John Daly had been suspended by the PGA Tour. I can't imagine what he'd have to do for commissioner Tim Finchem to take such drastic action -- I mean, this is the same guy who earlier this year had Jon Gruden serve as his caddie for a few holes, show up on the YouTubes playing topless golf, and got dropped by Butch Harmon after Harmon "discovered" Daly liked to have a beer or 18 every now and then.
Anyway, it's not true. At least according to Big John, who says he's been dealing with an injury to his right hand.
"I went back home to Arkansas to have it looked after," Daly said. "I had a cyst removed, and it's getting better. I wanted to play this week at the John Deere Classic, where they gave me a sponsors exemption, which I appreciate. But I had to withdraw. Meanwhile, I'm getting all sorts of calls about being suspended. It's not true. I've got enough things going on that are true, but that isn't one of them. I'm planning to go over to the British Open this Sunday, and then on to Russia. Where does all this stuff start?"Wait, what? Who got Daly inside the ropes at Royal Birkdale? Seriously, did he win a qualifier I don't know about, or did his '95 victory come with a one-time lifetime exemption?
The Russian Open I get -- if there's one thing the former Soviet Union needs, it's more John Daly. Let's just hope he's healthy enough to play. Because it's never good to withdraw on a sponsor's exemption.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-10-2008 @ 10:23AM
Shane B. said...
Our Main Man, Mr. Daly, gets an exemption into the British for winning it up until he's 60 years old, which would mean he'd have to live to be 60, but still, in until that day. Big John Time!
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7-11-2008 @ 12:08PM
capt said...
Mr Ryan - Be nice to Mr. Daly - (do some homework)
There are over thirty exemption categories. Among the more significant are:
The top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings. This key sweep up category means that no member of the current elite of world golf will be excluded.
The top 20 in the previous season's PGA Tour money list and European Tour Order of Merit. Most but not all of these players will also be in the World top 50.
All previous Open Champions who will be age 65 or under on the final day of the tournament.
All players who have won one of the other three majors in the previous five years.
The top 10 from the previous year's Open Championship.
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7-16-2008 @ 5:56PM
joe sharp said...
Iwas in the Hooters tent that day when John came in .He sat down and chatted with fans and was served cans of pop.I was in line waiting to get an autograph for my grandson and he decided to go up into the tower where I watched the golf for several hors.He went to a table that I just vacted and Jon gruden and The bucs Gm were both there I stood around for a long time during the Rain and spoke to both john and Jon and listened to the freindly banter and wached Jonn sign many autographs.Both of them signed my Hooter's visor which I gave to my grandson.The only thing during this long rain delay taht I saw John do was drink cans of coke and eat wings.He simply was having fun and accomodating many fans.Never did I see john Take an alchoholic drink and I was there in his company for pretty much the whole rain delay.I honest believe he is getting an injust bad rap.I hope you are able to pass this on to John.I am 67 years old was with life long friends who I am sure will support what I have written.JD is and was first class.
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