No dinner suit for Daly at St Andrews

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) – John Daly, no lover of
formality, says he skipped the traditional champions dinner
before this week’s British Open to avoid wearing a tie and
jacket.

The big-hitting American, winner of the 1995 Open at St
Andrews, is known for his laid-back approach to life and holds
the unofficial title of “the people’s player.”

“You’re not going to put a coat and tie on me for dinner
and I’m just being honest,” the 39-year-old Californian told
reporters after firing a three-under-par 69 in the second round
Friday.

“It’s a tie and jacket affair and I just don’t travel with
one. If I’m going to hang myself, I’ll put a rope around my
neck!

“Plus the wives can’t go and I’d rather see the wives being
able to go instead of just all the guys,” added Daly, who opted
to miss the lavish Tuesday dinner to spend time with his wife
Sherrie.

“That makes it all fun.”

Daly, who stayed in the hunt for the 134th British Open
after finishing at four-under 140, said the benign weather at
St Andrews had to change for the field to have any chance of
overhauling overnight leader Tiger Woods.

“I was watching him stroke some putts so well,” said Daly.
“He’s hitting the ball really well and has so much confidence.

“If the weather stays like this, I don’t think anyone is
going to catch him.”