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Leading official Max Garske has called for a fair go for controversial golfer John Daly when he returns to Australia later this year.
“Wild Thing” Daly – golf’s walking headline – has agreed to play in the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum from December 10-13.
Daly’s previous visits to Australia have produced some memorable brain snaps, most recently throwing an over-zealous spectator’s camera into a tree during the Australian Open at Royal Sydney last December.
In his first of two previous appearances at the Australian PGA, he was disqualified for failing to sign his scorecard after throwing his ball and putter into the lake at Hyatt Coolum’s 18th hole in 2002.
However, 43-year-old Daly has made a concerted effort to improve his image this year following a suspension from the US PGA Tour.
And he has lost 20kgs in weight from his considerable frame as he attempts to recapture some of the form that brought him two major championship titles.
– The larger-than-life Daly was the target of intense media scrutiny last year which PGA of Australian chief executive Garske felt bordered on stalking.
“Not so much the golf media, but I really think some of the other media treated him dreadfully last year,” said Garske.
“You can’t harass someone like they did, he was a our guest of our country.”
Daly shot 71-77 at Coolum last year, missing the cut for the second time.
But his appearance played a big part in the tournament pulling record crowds on the opening two days to the Hyatt Regency resort course which has undergone a facelift for this year’s event.
While his behaviour may have been less colourful of late his golf attire has got a whole lot zanier and he’s been sporting a range of garish outfits.
“Who else in the world would dare to do that?” said Garske.
“But when your nickname is `Wild Thing’ I guess you can wear whatever you like and get away with it.”
Daly, who is not receiving any appearance money to tee up in the PGA, may also play the Australian Open at Sydney’s NSW club, but that is yet to be confirmed.
“John likes playing in Australia and he is great friends with (tournament promoter) Tony Roosenberg.
“He’s had a long standing relationship with Tony which has helped. He said after last year’s tournament if he was playing well he would like to come back.
“His form is ok, he finished high up in the British Open and we’re delighted he is playing Coolum again.”
He said in a PGA issued statement, saying: “I am very much looking forward to playing again in the PGA Championship and to seeing the course changes at Coolum.”
He will play on a re-design Hyatt Regency Coolum course which has had six holes added to its layout.