FORT WORTH – John Daly had the largest following at Monday’s Hagan pro-am for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Wearing diamond-patterned pants in two shades of blue was a bonus for the players and fans.
“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.
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