AUSTRALIAN MASTERS: THE ANCIENT canard suggesting publicity of any kind is never a bad thing will be stretched to its limit at the Huntingdale club in Melbourne this week, where the decision to invite John Daly to play in the Australian Masters has shattered the cosy politeness that prevails in the changing rooms of the professional game.
"He is a walking train wreck and I guess people turn their heads to watch the train wreck," said Stuart Appleby when he was asked for his views on the American ranked 692 in the world. Even by the plain-speaking standards of Australian sportsmen, this was strong stuff from the world number 35, and he was not finished.
"It's symptomatic of world golf, because he still runs around the world. He's in Europe, he's in Asia, he's in Australia. It's not like we're desperate. Everybody's doing the same thing. John Daly is unique.
"We only wish that, as players, we wish he'd put a little more time into his game instead of ruining his personal life. He would be a draw card, not just a freak show. I don't think he is here because of his world ranking."
Appleby's comments prompted the tournament organisers and Daly's friends to defend his appearance at the event, which is part of the European Tour.
Peter Senior, the chairman of the Australasian Tour, described Daly as one of golf's most recognisable figures. "I've spent quite a bit of time with John and people don't realise he's just a normal, average guy. Unfortunately, he gets into trouble now and then, but you can't help but like the guy," he said.
Wayne Grady, the US PGA champion in 1990 and sometime BBC pundit, also came to Daly's defence. "People love to watch him play. He's exciting to watch. Anything can happen. Hopefully it's the start of his road back to playing well because he's not that old."
The 42-year-old Daly, who has endured a long and well-publicised problem with alcohol, has had an ill-starred relationship with the game in Australia, having twice been disqualified in tournaments for failing to sign his scorecard.
Closer to home, he was arrested for public drunkenness and spent a night in jail last month after he was found unconscious outside a Hooters restaurant in North Carolina. Once among the game's top earners, the two-time major winner has confessed to having money problems and was recently seen in a Las Vegas casino selling autographed golf balls for $10.
Daly's downward spiral off the course has been mirrored by a decline on it, although a final-round eight-under-par 62 at last week's Hong Kong Open, and a share of 17th place, was cause for some optimism, not least from the player himself. "Maybe I can still play a bit," he said after picking up a cheque for €29,700.
David Rollo, a spokesman for the tournament, denied reports that Daly is receiving a hefty appearance fee, although his travel expenses have been met. The American no longer has a PGA Tour or European Tour card and is reliant on invitations.
"John's here because he wants to be here. We took the sponsors' temperature on it before we sent the invitation. But we're not in the business of stopping players from playing and John wanted to play," he said, adding, "and he has created a lot of interest."
• Guardian Service
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