John can make my Daly says Lockerbie
Last updated 15:37, Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Cumbria's European Tour player Gary Lockerbie is hoping to come face-to-face with his hero at this week’s Spanish Open – colourful American star John Daly.
Daly, a winner or two Majors, has received a sponsor’s invite for the event, which marks Lockerbie’s first European Tour event since he finished tied 38th at last month’s Madeira Open.
The 42-year-old, known as Long John for his prowess as a big-hitter, is battling to get his career back on track after surgery on a torn muscle on his stomach.
Daly, below, has blamed the injury for his poor form over the last two years, during which he has withdrawn eight times and missed the cut 14 times in 33 events.
But it has done nothing to diminish his standing in Lockerbie’s eyes, and the Penrith golfer reckons the chance to play with Daly is all the incentive he needs to make the cut in Seville this week.
Lockerbie said: “The man is a complete legend, who’s too cool for school. He has loads of natural ability and is an outstanding golfer on his day.
“He always takes time to speak to younger players and I would love the chance to meet him. he played last year and came across as a lovely guy.
“He has an invite for Spain and it would brilliant if I could make the cut and play with him.”
After a month off, Lockerbie faces a hectic few months, with the Spanish Open followed by the Italian Open in Milan and the Irish Open in Limerick.
He will then play several Challenge Tour events in an attempt to win back his full European Tour card next year.
The 25-year-old former Walker Cup shook off the ring rust by playing at Silloth on Solway with Keswick pro Gary Watson on Friday and will play in tomorrow’s practice round at the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla with fellow European Tour rookie Andrew McArthur.
