Daly hits Tucson on road back

TUCSON, Ariz. -- John Daly is pleased to be playing well this year and especially happy because the galleries are enjoying it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.

Subscribe  E-mail this story  Write a letter to the Editor  Printer-friendly version  Get news on your PDA  Get e-mail headlines

"It's a great feeling," Daly said Wednesday after he was cheered throughout the Chrysler Classic of Tucson pro-am. "What's even better is that I'm playing good for them, for the fans. You know, the ones that have been coming out, watching me all these years."

Daly's past problems include failed marriages, trashed hotel rooms, warnings from the PGA and bouts with alcoholism. Through it all, his down-home charm, behind-the-scenes charitable work and, most of all, his power with a golf club, continue to hold his audience.

Daly's 2004 upswing includes a victory in San Diego on Feb. 15 and a fourth--place finish last week in Los Angeles. After four tournaments, he's sixth on the money list with $1,133,646 - already earning more than in any of his 13 previous years on tour.

Ranked 64th in the world, Daly needs to be in the top 50 or remain among the top 10 money-winners by March 28 to qualify for the Masters two weeks later. The psychological boost that would give the two-time major winner was evident from his wistful tone when talking about the purse for the Match Play Championship.

"They're going to win $1.2 million, I think," Daly said. "If they win, it's one tournament and passes what I've made already. Jeez, that's just amazing."

But he joked that his cause was helped when Ernie Els, seventh on the money list, decided to skip the head-to-head format in Carlsbad, Calif. Daly also could help himself by taking the $540,000 first prize in Tucson, an event rendered obscure by the gathering of international stars for the simultaneous Match Play.

"It would be wonderful if I could win," Daly said. "But this field here is very strong. Anybody out here can win, but I do love the golf course."

The 7,109-yard, par-72 Tucson National course is perfect for a long hitter.

Daly led the PGA in driving distance for eight consecutive years, but lost that distinction to rookie Hank Kuehne in 2003 despite averaging a career-best 314.3 yards off the tee.

This year, he's fourth (303.2), but unconcerned because of increased accuracy.

He's using a new ball developed by Dunlop to reduce spin and improve the feel for players with high-speed swings.

"This ball has just been awesome," Daly said. "It stays with the club face a little longer. And I don't need any more distance. I want to be able to hit it straight."

--From the Thursday, February 26, 2004 online edition of the Augusta Chronicle