IRREPRESSIBLE golfer John Daly has done a Lazarus and the dual Major winner is now back on the cards for the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship in December
The big-hitting crowd favourite withdrew from both championships in September citing a flare-up of an old rib injury but now says he’s recovered much sooner than expected.
“My recovery from stem cell surgery has been closely monitored by my doctor and I have been cleared to begin playing competitively in two weeks. As such, I have added The Viking Classic to my 2009 US schedule plus have accepted invitations to play in the 2009 Australian Open and 2009 Australian PGA Championship,” Daly said.
“I regret the confusion the injury process has caused but I’m relieved things have begun moving in the right direction. I look forward to returning to Australia and am grateful the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship have provided me with the opportunity to play in these premier events.”
Daly hit the front pages with a camera throwing incident at Royal Syndey last year and whatever happens is sure to garner lots of public attention.
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said golf fans would appreciate John’s presence.
“It is fantastic to see him back for a second consecutive year and I wish him well as he continues his recovery,” Pitt said.
Allenby turns back on Open
Daly’s return strengthens already outstanding fields in both championships. But that won’t include Robert Allenby, who has made good threats to boycott the Open.
He’ll play in the “Tiger Woods” Masters in Melbourne but then wing it to a lucrative tournament in South Africa.
In Sydney at the NSW Golf Club, Daly will play alongside Presidents Cup Captain Greg Norman and his star team performer Tim C;ark, who is the tournament’s defending champion.
A week later at the newly re-designed Hyatt Regency Coolum course, Daly will be joined by Fijian Major winner Vijay Singh, returning to Australia for the first time since 1998, and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy for the Australian PGA Championship.
Both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship will form the Australian swing of the new One Asia Series.
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