“I told him I loved the pants” said Ashlan Wiley, a volunteer caddie. “He said, ‘Thank you, hon.’ ”

John Daly, a five-time PGA tour winner, chatted with the players and caddies, singed autographs, and paused for photographs while walking from green to tee boxes.

With a recent hip problem, Daly has had problems returning to the PGA Tour on a regular basis. The effort of last year’s lap-band surgery and better diets has kept the former 300-pounder at a steady 185.

“Everything else is great,” Daly said.

Daly’s playing partner was easily won over by his new look.

“Watching all his trials and tribulations, watching him coming back, and being with him in person is fabulous,” amateur Scott Summers said. “His weight loss is amazing. What’s even more amazing is the force that he strikes the ball with.”

This year Daly has played in nine events and making the cut in six consecutive tournaments. The hip problem forced him to withdraw on Sunday from his two most recent tournaments. Daly last played Colonial in 1999.

Daly is expected to play in the St. Jude Classic Tournament in Memphis, TN June 10-13.

Daly is autographing merchandise and has songs from his CD blaring on speakers. It’s not the first time Daly has set up shop at the Masters. He first did it in 2007, hanging out at the local Hooters signing autographs.

Hopefully one of these years we will see The Lion qualify to play in the Masters. His last appearance was in 2006 when he missed the cut. That was also the last time he held his PGA Tour card. For now, though, he’ll be the guy peddling his wares in front of a huge RV.

Here’s a recent press conference clip:

John Talks About Returning to Play St. Judes Tournament

His first appearance will be at the St. Jude Championship in Memphis on June 11-14.

John Lights Up Turin

Daly is a Dazzler

Fashionable Runner Up

John Daly’s Lurid Trousers Help Him Enjoy Italian Renaissance–I had to reference this one. After all, have you ever read a  headline containing  “lurid trousers” and “renaissance”?

John on playing at the Irish Open

After Ireland, John heads to the U.K to play at the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey.

Down 40 pounds and having worked on his game with golf coach Rick Smith, the Lion looks to be on the prowl again.

To All of My Greatest Fans!

Back for an update for everyone!!  I don’t get a chance to get online too often because I’m keeping focused on work & preparation for my return.  Here’s the latest and I really appreciate all of the fan mail that I have been getting!  I do read them all!!

I should know about the European tour this week but I plan to play mid-April and PGA Tour in May.

I continue to work hard every day and hope to be ready real soon!!  I am also very glad to have lost some weight because of the support from a special someone in my life!!  A change in 40 pounds does a lot in how you carry yourself and your confidence!!  I can say it’s the best thing that has motivated me in a long time!!

Again, I feel that my fans deserve to see me again as a champion and now even more than everrrrrr I will be ready to prove myself!!

“There is no success without hardship”!!

God Bless Everyone!!

The Lion

Bobby Jones Golf Swing

Bobby Jones History

14 year old Bobby Jones would retire 14 years after this photograph was taken.

Actually, Big John will be playing at Jim McMahon’s Swang “N” Super Bowl Bash golf tournament–before the Super Bowl.

Other celebrities slated to appear include Vinny Testaverde, Gary Carter, Mike Eruzione, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro, Lawrence Taylor,  Jim Kelly, Joe Theismann and Frank Viola.