Photographers Beware, John Daly Is Heading Down Under for Real This Time

Back in August, the John Daly Traveling Circus committed to some events in Australia. Then news came that Mr. Daly was struggling from a rib injury and stem cell surgery and, well, typical Daly stuff we've come to expect.

So, Australians rejoice, because he will be playing both the Australian Open and Australian PGA less than a year after admitting he'd never play golf Down Under again because of the way the media treated him. Interesting choice of words, since Australia was the site of CameraGate II, when Big John smashed a photographer's camera and told the poor fellow, "You want it back, I'll buy you a new one."

Daly is healthy now, and is excited to get back to Australia because, and we can only presume, he has forgotten his declaration from last December.

"My recovery from stem cell surgery has been closely monitored by my doctor and I have been cleared to begin playing competitively in two weeks,'' Daly said in a statement.

"As such, I have added the Viking Classic to my 2009 U.S. schedule plus have accepted invitations to play in the 2009 Australian Open and 2009 Australian PGA Championship. I regret the confusion the injury process has caused but I'm relieved things have begun moving in the right direction."

Daly has had an interesting year in professional golf, one that, like Daly in general, could be described as a roller coaster. His second place finish at the European Tour's Italian Open opened some eyes, but when he finally returned to American soil after his six-month suspension, he missed two cuts, withdrew from the PGA Championship and only finished in the top-30 once in six events.

No matter, when Daly is included in a tournament, it always brings interest, so I'm sure Australia is pleased to have him back, Loudmouth Pants and all. It'll at least give us writing folks something to talk about during golf's down season.