Golf: Daly back after miraculous recovery

SYDNEY - Dual major winner and crowd favourite John Daly has reversed a decision to withdraw from the Australian Open and PGA tournaments after a quicker than expected recovery from a rib injury.

The big-hitting American, as well known for his over-indulgent lifestyle as his exploits on the golf course, withdrew from both tournaments in September citing a flare-up of the injury, first sustained in 2007.

"My recovery from stem cell surgery has been closely monitored by my doctor and I have been cleared to begin playing competitively in two weeks," Daly said in a statement.

"As such, I have added the Viking Classic to my 2009 US schedule plus have accepted invitations to play in the 2009 Australian Open and 2009 Australian PGA Championship.

"I regret the confusion the injury process has caused but I'm relieved things have begun moving in the right direction.

"I look forward to returning to Australia and am grateful the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship have provided me with the opportunity to play in these premier events."

It will be the second consecutive year Daly, who won the US PGA Championship in 1991 and the British Open in 1995, has played in both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship.

He will play alongside Australian golf legend Greg Norman and defending champion Tim Clark in the Open at the NSW Golf Club at La Perouse in Sydney from December 3-6.

A week later, Daly will be joined by Fijian major winner Vijay Singh and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy for the Australian PGA Championship at the re-designed Hyatt Regency Coolum course.

- AAP