Drinking and driving

Victoria Sun

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999 | 10:56 a.m.

Now that PGA Tour golfer John Daly has realized that drinking is part of his life, he says that he wants to move on with the rest of it, including his role as a professional golfer.

The 33-year-old tour veteran, currently ranked 161st on the PGA money list, has committed to play in the $2.5 million Las Vegas Invitational that begins Oct. 13.

Daly tied for 53rd place at last year's LVI. The 1995 British Open winner has earned $165,565 this year with his best finish a tie for 14th at the Phoenix Open in February.

Despite his previous mishaps, LVI tournament manager Charlie Baron expects Daly will have no problems at this year's event.

"John has always been a big draw here," Baron said. "Hopefully he can play well here, get back on track and people will come back and see him.

"He was great (last year). The amateurs enjoyed playing with him. I think everyone is concerned about what has happened, but I think he'll be fine."

Two years ago, Daly trashed a hotel room in Florida after a night of drinking and he has erupted on the golf course on more than one occasion.

At last week's Buick Challenge, Daly spoke about the drinking that led to the tumultuous events of the last few years.

"You never know what's going to happen with me," Daly told the Associated Press. "Everybody goes through ups and downs, and I don't want anybody bailing me out any more.

"It's not like I'm going to get drunk every day or every night. That's not what I want to do."

But when it comes to drinking, Daly told Golf World magazine that "It's in my blood."

His bout with alcoholism cost him a contract with Callaway Golf worth an estimated $3 million per year.

Callaway severed ties with Daly when he refused to re-enter a rehab program. But Daly said it might be for the best.

"The money was too good and I didn't practice hard enough," he said. "It's going to make me hungry, that money not coming in like it was.

"We've got great purses. There's a ton of money out there and it's time for me to earn my money again."