John Daly sues organizers for distraction during his shot – PGA Tour update
John Daly, a veteran American golfer, sparked a controversy at the start of the Honda Classic Golf Tournament, when he sued the organizers for $15,000 on Wednesday in a Florida court.
Daly alleged that he was distracted by a female photographer who tried to take his picture right in the middle of the shot, in the 2007 version of the tournament. Daly also claims that he bruised one of his old injuries when he tried to stop his backswing, missing the shot. He later withdrew from the tournament. The golfer claimed that the woman was able to pass through screening while she was carrying a camera and authorities were not able to remove her from the course even when Daly complained to authorities about her.
Daly, the 44-year-old golfer, better known as “Long John” because of his long tee shots, has led an uncomfortable personnel life. He has suffered problems ranging from excessive alcohol intake, to the huge gambling debts that he was only able to pay through his paid public appearances. Daly married several times, each of them ending in a divorce. In 2008, he reportedly smashed one spectator’s camera into a tree, when he tried to take his picture at the Australian Open in Sydney. Daly also sued one the Florida Times reporter for libel when the reporter alleged that the golfer has “failed scoundrel sniff test”. Daly lost the case and instead, was ordered by the judge to pay $300,000 to the newspaper for damages.
The golfer does not enjoy full privilege of playing in Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour and relies mostly on his past status and sponsor invitations to enter the events. His last victory was at the 2004 PGA tour, when he was able to earn a two-year playing exemption.
The woman, who was blamed for taking the picture, resided in a nearby complex where the tournament was held and probably escaped the screening when entering the course. The controversy has left a bad impression on the opening day of the Honda Classic Championship, here at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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