Mild Thing John Daly Among Leaders in First Round of Golf s British Open

John Daly finds himself in an unfamiliar place after a 6-under-par 66 ranks it among the leaders in the first round of the British Open at St. Andrews.

"I think this is the first time I've seen the Media Center in the British Open since 1995," Daley told a news conference. "This is a good feeling."

Whether recorded his best round of tournament golf after winning the St Andrews 15 years ago. He started with two birdies and reached 7 under before a bogey par-4 17th hole.

He is tied for second place, three shots behind Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland, who matched the tournament record with 63 today.

Daly said St. Andrews is a special place for him and his favorite course. Always a crowd-pleaser, his supporters continue to develop as a circle, shouting encouragement to each drive and a long stalemate does.

A huge American flag hung in the window of a house with the 18th hole and two men held signs saying "living legend, John Daly and John Daly for president"

"He is a role model," one of them shouted as the 44-year-old made his way to the final green.

Is not always perfect role model during his career. Known as "Wild Thing, he battled injuries, alcohol and weight problems, went off course during tournaments and has been stopped many times by the PGA Tour.

In recent years it has become more recognized for his own strange trousers of course, than the outcome. He said that changing their lifestyle through the provision of drinking and gastric band surgery in February 2009.

Daly said he was not drinking because he was placed in the group and weighed between 190 and £ 195 in October. In his eyes, making it more "Mild Thing" those days.

"I am 44 years old," he said. "I never run from my mistakes. You know, it's way back. For me, I'm on a comeback."

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch "St. Andrews in London sporting hours bbensch@bloomberg.net.