Left field

World number seven Paul Casey may be less than enamoured with John Daly’s dress sense but he remains a big fan of the colourful American’s golfing skills.

Twice major winner Daly is in the middle of a five-week run of tournaments in Europe and while his golf has been largely unspectacular, his multi-coloured trousers have certainly captured everyone’s attention.

“I saw John today and look at his trousers, they were outrageous,” Casey told reporters at the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday. “I hope he’s getting a lot of money (for wearing them).

“But today I saw him hit this four-iron fantastically and he stopped it on the green and it was from about 230 yards. That was something. There are a lot of great players out here but John creates memories. When he’s out on the golf course he brings a smile to people’s faces and that’s the most important thing.”

Daly achieved his best result for nearly four years when the 1991 U.S. PGA champion and 1995 British Open winner tied second in this month’s Italian Open.

He has often been the subject of unsavoury headlines but has worked hard on his game since being banned in November for bringing the U.S. PGA Tour into disrepute after he was accused of being drunk outside a bar.

“I think he is a great guy at heart,” said Ryder Cup player Casey. “Has he possibly made a couple of mistakes (in his time)? Yes, but I think they pale in comparison to what’s going on in the world in general right now.

“It is great to see him out here. I am a huge fan of John’s golf. I’ve just walked through the practice range and there’s about 50 people standing behind, watching what he does. I think it’s great, it brings something to this golf tournament. I love the way he plays. I think he is so talented. He has always been a gentleman to me and he’s a pleasure to be around.”

FILE PHOTO: Spectators wearing colourful trousers watch from the stands on the 17th hole during third round play at the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Florida March 15,2008. REUTERS/Hans Deryk