John Daly walks off the course in Australia

The 'Wild Thing' has withdrawn from the Australian Open having walked off the course mid-round on the first day

John Daly

John Daly has walked off the course during the first round of the Australian Open.

The American called it a day after hitting six balls into the water from the tee at the 11th hole of the Lakes Golf Club.

Daly shook hands with his playing partner before walking off the course and signing his card with rules officials.

Explaining the incident on Twitter, Daly said: "When you run out of balls, you run out of balls. Yes I shook my playing partner's hands and signed my card with [the] rules official."

An unimpressed tournament director, Trevor Herden, said: "I would say this is the last time we see John Daly at this tournament. I'm extremely bitter and disappointed. It's becoming a bit of a habit.

"If you run out of golf balls and are acting in a professional manner, you would call the course officials and we would replenish his stock."

It is not the first time the 'Wild Thing' has withdrawn from a tournament this season. He previously pulled out of the Austrian Open earlier in the season following a rules infringement.

As a result of the incident in Australia this week, the PGA of Australia has withdrawn Daly's invitation to play in the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum later this month.

Brain Thornburn, chief executive of the Australian PGA, said: "The PGA does not need this kind of behaviour tarnishing the achievements of other players and the reputation of our tournament. John in not welcome at Coolum."

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