Daly to play on through the pain at British Open

AFP, July, 2008

SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) — John Daly says he is hurting badly but has decided to defy doctors orders and tee off in the British Open here on Thursday.

The 42-year-old former "Wild Thing" has hit rock bottom in his colourful career and has failed to make the cut in the last six tournaments he has played on the US PGA Tour.

His form has been so poor that to get into the top tournaments he is largely dependent on invites from sponsors who are still aware of the big-hitter's popularity and drawing power with golf fans.

Many say Daly is a victim of his own freewheeling lifestyle which has been a mix of drinking, gambling and fast food, but the American says his recent struggles have more to do with a succession of morale-sapping injuries.

"It's just been very tough to play at all this ...