Last December, before lap-band surgery, LoudMouth Golf and a recommitment to the game, John Daly was overweight and struggling. The nadir (on the course, anyway) came at the Australian Open. After missing the fairway with his tee shot on the final hole of the first round, Daly made his way to his ball, and as a spectator tried to take his picture, the former two-time major winner took the camera, smashed it against a tree, and announced, "You want it back, I'll buy you a new one.''
Big John also declared that he'd never play in Australia again.
Eight months later, he's reconsidered. Daly tweeted that he would return to Australia. Golf Digest's John Strege provides some insight into the decision: JD will be getting another large appearance fee to show his mug.
When money talks, people tend to listen, particularly those attempting to climb from a financial hole. Daly is attempting to avert bankruptcy, for which large appearance fees are helpful.I have no problem with Daly taking the dough despite his comments the last time he was in Australia. The fact that he has some, um, financial obligations makes it even less an issue.
It's a safe bet that he's simply following the money, and in this case it leads back to Australia in December.
The bigger concern -- and this has been the case before his early-season makeover -- is primarily off-course. Earlier this month, Daly admitted that the sudden weight loss, coupled with a steady diet of Diet Pepsis and Marlboro Reds hindered his ability to consistently hit a golf ball. (And he's not even a doctor!)
So as soon as Daly and his nutritionist get on the same page, he can focus on fixing his golf game. And the more he plays, the better.
