Breaking 90

As most of you know by now, John Daly was denied (aka ‘not given’) an exemption to this year’s Bob Hope Classic. He was apparently pretty upset by the decision, going so far to call it a slap in the face.

When I originally read the news, I was hardly surprised. Daly’s sins and transgressions have been well-documented, and his history really doesn’t jive with someone who is going to need a lot of favors in 2010. Let’s face it, has anyone had more second chances than John Daly?

Then I gave it some thought, and he kind of has a point. Look at who did get exemptions to this year’s tournament; Rocco Mediate, David Duval, Jamie Love, Ricky Fowler, and Jamie Lovemark.

Most of these picks make sense – Duval is a former winner, Rocco is Rocco, Fowler earned his exemption, and Saunders is Arnold Palmer’s grandson. Daly can’t really complain about any of those selections.

The Lovemark seleciton though is a bit puzzling.  Granted he is a young, up-and-coming golfer but who really thinks he can bring more money, people, and viewers to the tournament then Big John? How does putting Jamie Lovemark in this tournament help anyone but Jamie Lovemark?

You have to think this fact was not lost on the BHC folks when they handed out exemptions, and John has a right to be pissed about that. Or maybe he just needs to realize that sooner or later, he is going to run out of second chances.