Tin Cup Daly overshadows first round of Australian Open

November 10, 2011

A great opening round by Jarrod Lyle, an incredible albatross by Adam Scott and a return to form for Tiger Woods has all been overshadowed by the always controversial, John Daly.

John Daly wasn’t playing his best golf over the opening nine holes of the first round of the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney.

He had a double-bogey on the 9th and carded a triple-bogey on the par-4 10th after being penalised for hitting the wrong ball in the bunker. He reportedly hit a practice ball which was lying in the bunker which had come from the practice range running parallel to the 10th.

On the next hole, he then hit every ball he had in his bag into the water on the par-5 11th hole, walked off the course with his son beside him, got into a car and drove off.

Reportedly, a photographer looking for a photo of Daly leaving the course had his camera shoved out of his hand by Daly’s girlfriend, although unconfirmed reports suggest she may have been knocked by the camera.

Director of the Australian Open, Trevor Herden has said Daly’s appearance fees will be withheld and sanctions would be imposed by the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“I would say this is the last time we see John Daly, I think they’ve just about had enough of him”, Herden said.

Daly’s only response so far was via his Twitter account where he offered up this ‘explanation’;

“when u run out of balls u run out of balls. yes, I shook my player’s partners hands & signed my card w/rules official.”

After a huge build up to the start of three massive weeks of Australian golf which included Tiger Woods back in the country and the controversy surrounding his former caddies comments, it is hard to believe that the opening round could be overshadowed by anything. Then again, with Daly in the field, anything is possible.

Last year I walked the course close to John Daly’s entourage and as happy as they were off course, the stress and tension in the group was palpable once Daly was on course. Something I’m not sure even the most relaxed golfer needs following him around.

I honestly believe John Daly’s a good guy. Every person who knows him at all seems to think so too.

But the man obviously has a temper problem which no one can deny. It has denied him, and us, the sight of one of the most naturally gifted golfers on too many occasions.