Daly out to dazzle in Spain

Daly: in European Tour action

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He may not have played competitively since December, but John Daly insists he still harbours ambitions of winning at this week's Spanish Open.

The American, who turned 43 on Tuesday, was banned by the PGA Tour for six months in November and lost his cool whilst playing in December's Australian Open where he smashed the camera of a spectator who photographed him.

It was the latest chapter in a long list of adverse publicity to hit his ailing career with the 1995 Open champion having slumped to 788th in the world rankings.

But having secured European Tour invites for the next month, Daly has arrived in a Spain a rejuvenated and considerably slimmer figure with stomach surgery having seen him shed almost four stone in recent months.

He has also linked up with Phil Mickelson's former coach Rick Smith and with a sports psychologist and is now determined to get his career back on track.

He acknowledges he is still "rusty" when it comes to competition golf, but claims the thrill of winning again will continue to motivate him.

"Hopefully I can win again," he stated.

"That would be the greatest thing. Does not matter where or when. It does not matter what Tour it's on because it's hard to win now.

"I wanted to lose the weight to get better at golf. You get to the point when nothing goes right and you almost give up on yourself, but I love the game, I want to keep playing and no matter what it takes I will do that.

"I'm rusty. You can practise all day long, but competition is totally different.

"I'll be nervous, but you're always nervous. If the butterflies are not there you don't have the desire any more - and I love the game so much."

Backing from Monty

His presence in Spain has been welcomed by European Tour players with Colin Montgomerie insisting he deserves his opportunity to compete.

"We know why he's here and it's great that the European Tour have accepted him with open arms," declared the Ryder Cup captain.

"I think it's right and as a charismatic character he can only add to the Tour.

"There are only a few players in the world of sport who have had his raw talent. He is right up there."

Daly will also take part in the Italian and Irish Opens the next two weeks, then the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and possibly the European Open at The London Club in Kent before returning to the States.