By Mike Kahn
CBS SportsLine Managing Editor
July 17, 1997

He has flourished through the best of times, floundered through the worst of times. Now John Daly is struggling through trying times as he seeks the form that made him a British Open and PGA champion, and one of the budding superstars on the PGA Tour.

A late scratch from this year's British Open as he continues his alcohol rehabilitation program, Daly won the 1995 British Open at St. Andrews, his last tour victory. His expertise regarding play across the pond is a welcome contribution to CBS SportsLine's coverage of this year's Open at Royal Troon.

Here's what he had to say:

1) CBS SportsLine: What do you remember best about the 1995 British Open you won?

John Daly: When I think of my 1995 win at St. Andrews, the first thing that comes to mind is the road bunker on the 17th hole. My lie was close to the face of the bunker, and I knew I had to get it out of there, or the tournament might be lost. I considered this the saving shot of the tournament. Just to get the ball out of there and walk away with a bogey still amazes me today.

2) SportsLine: What portions of your game made it possible to win?

Daly: Throughout four rounds of the tournament, I would say that my consistent lag putting made it possible for me to win.

3) SportsLine: Did you make any particular allowances going in, or did it just happen?

Daly: I worked very hard with my caddie going in to make allowances for the wind and weather conditions. If you don't compensate for the wind, you don't have a chance. I read an article this week about a 126-yard par-3 at Troon where players in the past have hit anywhere from a wedge to a 5-iron depending on the wind. Experiencing the conditions firsthand at previous Opens, I can assure you this is no exaggeration.

4) SportsLine: How do you prepare differently for the British Open than other stateside tournaments?

Daly: Physically and mentally, I really don't prepare differently for the British Open compared to stateside tournaments. The only thing I put in the back of my mind is what Jack Nicklaus told me: "Let the wind be your friend."

5) SportsLine: Do you alter your game for those courses -- and are there any places here you can play to comparably prepare you?

Daly: I don't alter my game at all for those courses. I play the way I know how ... which is hit it deep when the course permits, and stay aggressive throughout the duration of the tournament.

6) SportsLine: What type of player is best suited to be successful at the Open?

Daly: A strong, aggressive player is best suited to be successful at the Open.

7) SportsLine: Who would you consider the top five favorites at Troon?

Daly: Obviously, those who are playing well now, namely Tiger, Tom Lehman, and Ernie Els. Some of the other favorites that I like are those who have had success in the past, like Tom Watson and Nick Price.

8) SportsLine: Are greens considerably different over there?

Daly: The greens are definitely different over there. They tend to be slower compared to the greens stateside. The most difficult factor is judging the speed of the greens against the wind. Depending on which way the wind is gusting, the greens may seem extremely fast or extremely slow. The frustrating thing is that you can never get a feel for the speed from green to green since you're obviously putting from different angles toward the hole.

9) SportsLine: How does winning a major compare to other tournaments?

Daly: Compared to other sports, winning a major is like the Super Bowl, World Series, or the Stanley Cup. The tradition behind the majors , and the great players who have won them in the past, makes it a very special and treasured possession.

10) SportsLine: How does winning the British Open compare to other majors?

Daly: Being only able to speak for the other which I have won, the PGA, I would say the feeling was the same. It was a tremendous and exciting feeling after winning both events. The PGA was a little more shocking, but the feeling of successful accomplishment held true for both events.

11) SportsLine: How does the media treat you in the dailies over there compared to the papers stateside?

Daly: The media has always been fair, and always treated me with respect over there and here in the states.

12) SportsLine: Are there more or less distractions playing in a tournament in Great Britain compared to stateside?

Daly: I would say there are less distractions in Great Britain. There seems to be more of a laid-back attitude, and the open terrain makes it seem like there are not as many fans as in the states.

13) SportsLine: Is there less pressure playing tournaments overseas than in the states?

Daly: No, the pressure remains the same ... especially during a tournament as big as the British Open.

14) SportsLine: How do the crowds react there compared to majors over here?

Daly: Golf fans seem to be consistent wherever they are from. No matter who you are, or where you're from, great golf shots seem to bring fans to their feet cheering.

15) SportsLine: How do international golfers treat each other compared to American golfers?

Daly: We are all professionals and everyone is, for the most part, respectful and cordial.

16) SportsLine: Do the games of international golfers vary in general from Americans?

Daly: Due to the styles of the courses, international players normally play and are better at the bump-and-run, while Americans play the flop shot a lot more.

17) SportsLine: How much are you playing and practicing these days?

Daly: I'm practicing every day and working hard to get myself back to the level where I'll feel comfortable competing on the tour.

18) SportsLine: Do you expect to compete in the PGA Championship next month?

Daly: I'm currently undecided on when I'll return to competition. I'm consistently re-evaluating all facets of my game, and when I feel I'm completely ready, I'll return to regular play on the tour.