December 11, 2008

JOHN Daly has endured another nightmare day on the PGA Tour of Australasia, grabbing a spectator's camera and smashing it into a tree during the first round of the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.

Daly, who is heading for an early exit from the tournament, pushed his tee shot on the 9th hole - his final hole of the day - and walked into a clump of trees, where golf fan Brad Clegg tried to take his picture from close range.

It was the last straw for Daly, clearly frustrated at his lack of success in three tournaments in Australia this season.

After snatching the camera, Daly stalked up to the nearest tree and hurled it with all his force into the trunk.

"You want it back, I'll buy you a new one," Daly said to the fan.

As Daly completed the hole, Clegg, a 15-handicapper from Sydney club Ashlar, was left to pick up the pieces - literally.

Clegg, who had taken a leave day especially to see Daly play, said it was a disappointing way to finish the day.

"It hasn't ended well," he said.

Asked if he would be seeking compensation, Clegg said: "I don't think I'll be chasing him for the money. He's a big bloke."

Clegg said he had come out specifically to watch Daly because it might be the last chance he has.

"It was very unexpected."

Clegg said he did not think he had provoked Daly.

"I was bold but I wasn't unreasonable," he said.

Daly defended his actions, however, saying "I was looking to take a drop and the camera was six inches away from my face".

"If I was 10-under-par I would have felt the same," Daly said.

"I feel it was very rude to put a camera that close to anybody's face in any situation.

"The guy that had the camera had already taken a dozen shots at close range."

Tournament director Trevor Herden added that Clegg had breached the conditions of entry which clearly state that spectators cannot carry cameras or mobile phones.

Daly shot a six-over-par 78 and will need something special in the second round if he is to avoid missing his third cut in as many weeks.

He was paid appearance money to play on the Australian circuit this year.

Organisers believe he has pulled people through the gate but he has not delivered results on the course.

He missed the cut in both the Australian Masters at Huntingdale and in the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.