Golf: Daly is suspended after sudden exit: Big driver 'in need of help'

JOHN DALY, who abandoned the Kapalua International tournament in Hawaii midway through the second round on Friday, has been suspended indefinitely for his actions by PGA Tour officials.

'John Daly has been suspended, effective immediately, and the suspension will carry into next year,' the PGA Tour commissioner, Dean Beman, said.

Beman said suspensions are usually kept private but he felt the announcement was necessary because Daly would be conspicuous by his absence from two small special events - the Shark Shootout and the Skins Game - later this month, and the J C Penney Classic in December.

Daly, who first came to international attention with his victory in the 1991 PGA Championship, walked out on the Kapalua tournament in disgust on the 11th hole of his second round after taking three double-bogeys.

Daly was also disqualified from the Kemper Open in May. 'John was on probation with a prior suspension on hold,' Beman said. 'He knew before, and he knows emphatically now that he can't quit during a round.'

Daly had rejoined the tour this season after undergoing alcohol rehabilitation. 'He needs support. He needs understanding and he needs professional help,' Beman said. 'John has made great strides in the last year, but he has additional challenges to conquer.'

Fred Couples, the former Masters champion, won the Kapalua tournament, shooting a final-round 70 for a total of 274 and a comfortable four- stroke victory over Blaine McCallister. Davis Love was third after a 68 for 279.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 39

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