“His driving is unbelievable. I don’t go that far on my holidays.” Ian Baker-Finch, on John Daly
The man of prodigious drives is back.
I managed to catch the tail end of television coverage of the Players’ Championship yesterday afternoon. Tiger was apparently having problems, but nobody mentioned what they were. He is 3 over. Daly is six strokes ahead.
People forget that Daly has led the Tour in driving distance for years, even with Tiger in the field. John’s problem has always been the BIG NUMBER. He’s taken double digit scores on many holes throughout his career. He once carded an 18. I guess that’s what I’ve liked about him–he can take the hits and keep on coming back.
Yesterday, though, the new and improved version was on display. He had no triple bogeys, no double bogeys, and didn’t even flirt with a bogey on his round. Just solid golf–driving, chipping, sand play, and putting. And he’s is doing very well with his Redneck putter. A match made in Heaven?
John has been through a lot in his adult life, most caused by his own bad decisions. He is quick to admit this, and has apparently made the turn. He will be in the field at Augusta for the first time in a while. He is on track to add another Major to his collection this year. If his solid play continues, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a Captain’s Pick for the Ryder Cup team. Captain Hal Sutton has exorcised his own demons, and may want a kindred spirit along with him.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears. John, Woods, and Nicklaus all on Augusta’s fairways in April. That’s hard to beat.
Drive for show, Putt for dough, Shank for comic relief.
John Daly can do it all. But he’s not hitting shanks like he used to.
Speaking of the “big drivers,” whatever became of Davis Love III? Time was, he dared not even take his driver out of the bag, because he could airmail Heaven with it. We don’t hear about him much lately.
Comment by Francis W. Porretto — March 27, 2004 @ 5:37 am
Davis made the cut at +1, and is tied for 54th. He has played well so far this year, and has decided to “get his mind right” and try to take Player of the Year. He has the talent, but fell apart last week. Not a John Daly-style meltdown, but a fade.
He can still launch the ball.
Comment by Bunker — March 27, 2004 @ 5:53 am