Daly defies doctor's orders by playing at Birkdale

By Tony Jimenez

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Former champion John Daly will defy doctor's orders by playing in this week's British Open at Royal Birkdale.

"My doctor told me I shouldn't play," the 42-year-old American told reporters on Wednesday. "I have got tendinitis in my left elbow and I had a cyst in my right hand that was a calcium buildup we thought was arthritis.

"It's just been one thing after another. But this is an Open, it is very special to me and I told him I am going to play no matter what."

Daly, who won the 1995 edition at St Andrews, said the strong gusts forecast at Birkdale this week would make it easier for him to protect his injuries.

"The wind is going to blow anyway so it's pretty much nothing but three-quarter shots," said the 1991 U.S. PGA champion. "I won't put so much strain on my elbow.

"It is pretty much the first time I haven't listened to my doctor in two years. I am kind of dealing with the pain in the left elbow more than anything now."

'WILD THING'

Daly, who makes only sporadic appearances on the U.S. PGA Tour and is down at 643 in the world rankings, was dubbed the 'Wild Thing' early in his career.