John Daly: poor pupil

Poor John Daly. If what he says is true, he needs every nickel he can get from the generosity of a sponsor’s exemption, and now he has blown that by getting himself DQ’d at Bay Hill. Until now, Daly has been a great draw, but if people want to see overweight, underdisciplined performers, they can pay attention to Hollywood, where slovenliness can earn top dollar. Golf no longer needs John Daly, and apparently John Daly no longer needs golf, or the best teacher in the game (as Butch Harmon, severed their relationship because of a lack of commitment from Daly). Daly suffered from too much, too early, winning the PGA 17 years ago and becoming an instant phenom. He did it his way, but now his way is failing him. His cries of “It’s not my fault,” or “I didn’t know,” and expressing regret of letting down Arnold Palmer are too little, too late. That thud heard at Bay Hill was Daly falling further from the graces of the game that has served him better than he has served it, and from the graces of the fans who have supported him.