Indiana Smock Golf

A long walk with long shot Long John

IT WON'T happen, we're almost certain, but wouldn't it be a gut-busting hoot if John Daly rolled into West Virginia and won the Greenbrier Classic?

If there were any justice (not the big Jim kind), the flamboyant Arkansas native with outfits to match would cross the makeshift bridge over the lake on No. 18 in the final twosome, basking in a thundering ovation before facing a critical 6-foot putt for birdie.

Not to win outright, but to force a playoff. You know, some extra fun for the mass of humanity at the venerable Old White TPC.

More likely, we'll have to settle for Daly's flashes of brilliance, such as the time he eagled the par-5 17th on the final day last year, despite a pin placement that discouraged going for the gusto. He competes and makes a cut here and there, but his best finish this year is 38th.

It's understandable. At 45, he is in that place between his best competitive days on the PGA Tour and that magic 50th birthday, when he can join the Champions Tour. There's little doubt that he will liven up the senior circuit.

But for now, he'll liven up the fledgling Greenbrier Classic once again. Jim Justice, owner of the resort, made sure Daly will get to White Sulphur Springs on a sponsor's exemption.

Already, "Long John" has put his stamp on the tournament - and it has nothing to do with his really cool Loudmouth Golf outfits or his 395-yard drive on No. 6 in the third round.    

Gregg Happe got a ringside seat - OK, a ringside walk - for Daly's most notable contribution.

A Marshall booster who sits courtside at basketball games, Happe helps old friend Larry Martin with the Pace of Play ambassador program, which will again play a part in the Monday and Wednesday pro-am events.

Happe played golf at Franklin College in Indiana with Martin, the founder of the Top Flite Junior Tour and former head pro at the Parkersburg Country Club. Martin came to Parkersburg out of college, then suggested Happe apply for a spot in the Berry Hills pro shop. Happe eventually left that profession but has stayed in touch with the game, especially since retiring from Allstate Insurance.

That includes his role in the PGA Tour event's pro-ams. The Monday pro-am includes 28 groups in a shotgun start, while the Wednesday pro-am has 52 foursomes split into morning and afternoon shifts. Each group has one pro and three amateurs using handicaps to contribute to a best-ball team score.

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