Daly back on golf course

CANTON, Miss. - John Daly was out of the hospital and playing golf again Sunday less than 24 hours after he was stricken on the course with what he said was a collapsed lung.

The two-time major champion was taken by ambulance Saturday to Baptist Medical Center after he collapsed on the 18th tee during an outing at Deerfield Country Club. Daly said doctors ran tests and X-rays but found no other serious problems besides the lung.

"I was having a great time and then suddenly - boom - I'm falling down while on the 18th tee and the next thing I know I'm in an ambulance," Daly said. "It was scary."

But Daly was back Sunday at Deerfield, smoking cigarettes on the clubhouse patio while mingling with some of the other players before his round. The tournament is a gathering that includes some of Daly's friends.

Daly's agent, Bud Martin, said in an email the 49-year-old golfer has been coping with a rib injury dating to 2007. The injury recently was causing pain and affected his breathing.

Daly's right hand was heavily taped Sunday. He said he hurt it while putting a new tire on his son's golf cart earlier this week, which indirectly led to Saturday's problems.

"I had to change my swing some to get a good grip and the doctor said the changed motion is likely what led to the collapsed lung," Daly said.