Daly, still ripping it
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Daly originally joined the European Tour in 2002 as his 10-year exemption for winning the Open at St Andrews in 1995, came to a close but it ran out three years ago, needing sponsors exemptions to keep him in the spotlight.
Says Daly, who attracted big Italian weekend galleries at Talcinasco Castle after narrowly making the cut: "The £13,000 I won here will help pay the exes," referring to the alimony he's currently paying to three ex-wives and a likely fourth, once current divorce proceedings are concluded.
"I'm probably going to play seven or eight more tournaments in the States and maybe six or seven over here (he's considering an invitation to the Wales Open) and I'll make a decision at the end of the year. I enjoy playing in Europe, "said Daly who missed the cut in last week's Spanish Open.
Currently 609th in the world rankings after some financially lean years in which he returned to a daily diet of booze and burgers, the 42-year-old former hell-raiser can still put bums on grandstand seats and behind the ropes that flank European fairways.
His 'grip it and rip' philosophy still makes him an icon for hundreds of thousands of amateur golfers who consider 'how far' much more appropriate than 'how many' in their regular rounds.
But is he good for the game or merely a sideshow to the real event? Is it fair that he should take the place of newcomers looking to break through into the top level? Should he prove himself by committing to the European Tour Qualifying School?
Personally I think if he attracts crowds to golf and gives good value, the Tour should embrace the different dimension he brings to the game. Already you're offering varied opinions
on the forum, so keep them coming.
