Daly says he will play in U.S. Open next year

John Daly said on Wednesday he had had a change of heart over his threat to boycott next year's U.S. Open.

He has written to the U.S. Golf Association to apologise for his comments about the course at Pinehurst where this year's Open was staged.

Speaking on the eve of the Irish Open at Druids Glen, Daly admitted his outburst at Pinehurst had been 'badly timed'.

It followed a final round of 83 which included an 11 on the par-four eighth hole.

"I've kind of thought about my threat to not play another U.S. Open," said Daly. "As a kid I always wanted to win all four majors and Pebble Beach (venue of the 2000 tournament) is a good course for me, even if U.S. Open courses are not generally.

"I wrote a letter to David Fay (executive director of the U.S. Golf Association) with my apologies for the comments I made.

"It was more the way I'd been playing for the eight weeks up to the tournament than the U.S. Open. I just took it out on them.

"A lot of players agreed with what I said but I did it at the wrong time. These things happen.

"I'm expecting a letter now from Tim (Finchem, the U.S. Tour Commissioner) and the Tour which is probably deserved.

"We should be able to voice our opinions but I did it at the wrong time," said Daly, a recovering alcoholic.

Daly, who is being paid 100,000 pounds ($157,500) for appearing in the Irish Open, heads a field which includes six-times European number one Colin Montgomerie. He will play alongside Seve Ballesteros in the first two rounds.

Montgomerie is seeking a third win at Druids Glen to go back to the top of the European money list. He would replace South African Retief Goosen who is not playing here.

David Carter, second behind fellow Briton David Park last Sunday in the European Grand Prix, will be defending his title while Park bids to add to second and first places in his first two European Tour events.

Reuters