John Daly --- The Lion in Winter

This is the year John Daly needs his fans more than ever before. The Lion says he is making a serious effort to get through the rough. And, he is seeking advice from Butch Harmon.

Butch told him he needs to come to his place in Las Vegas rather than out on the course. So John made the effort to go. But I am afraid it's going to be a bit hard for him to adhere to Butch's rigid requirements. Butch has the reputation of number one Coach and he doesn't need to accept every golfer who wants his services. He wants to work with John so that's good. But John will have to follow his guidelines.

John wrecked a rib last April with a resultant shoulder problem that hasn't resolved. At any time, the shoulder can go out and they have to pop it back in. He had to withdraw from the Bob Hope because of it. If he can get his body into shape and cut back on some of the causes of his obesity, maybe he can get back into competition. But he will be 42 in 2008, so it will take a lot of self control. Let's keep our fingers crossed for him.

Having lost his card, he will need to depend on invitations and exemptions. Having lost some sponsors, the invitations may be fewer than in past years. Fortunately, he is exempt for life in the PGA Championship and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, up to age 65 in the British Open and up through 2009 in the Buick Invitational.

He has my prayer support and I'm hoping to see him make a come back.

Marion