John Daly Smashes Fan’s Camera
From the AFP:
Smashy smashy!!
SYDNEY (AFP) — Controversial American golfer John Daly grabbed a spectator’s camera and smashed it into a tree amid a stormy end to his frustrating opening round at the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.
Daly, who crashed to three double bogeys and four bogeys in a six-over round of 78, lost his temper when a golf fan tried to take his picture from close range.
The two-time major champion, 42, who is in danger of missing his third straight cut in as many Australian tournaments this season, pushed his tee shot on the ninth and final hole of his eventful round into a clump of trees.
As the spectator, Brad Clegg, attempted to take his picture Daly snatched Clegg’s camera and hurled it into the trunk of a tree, saying, “you want it back, I’ll buy you a new one.”
As Daly completed the hole Clegg was left to pick up the pieces of his smashed camera.
Daly later issued a statement through tournament officials about the incident.
“I was looking to take a drop and the camera was six inches away from my face,” he said.
“If I was ten-under-par I would have felt the same. My eyes are still burning from the flash of the camera.
“I feel it was very rude to put a camera that close to anybody’s face in any situation.
Despite the tournament entry rules, which clearly forbid spectators from carrying in cameras or cell phones, Daly’s actions were extreme. Granted, nobody wants a camera in their face when their game is melting down, but pro golfers are expected to show a little tolerance of such things, especially for the amount they are compensated.
This is especially relevant with John Daly right now, as he is being paid appearance money to play the Australian circuit. Coupled with his inability to actually compete, Daly is more akin to a paid clown at your kid’s birthday part, there entirely for the amusement of the attendees. And the clown just got drunk and lashed out at the birthday boy.
-Bryan Fryklund
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