Daly’s Return Steals Show At Gho

Wayne Levi and Eric Johnson shot mistake-free rounds of 6-under-par 64 Thursday at Cromwell, Conn., to share the lead at the Greater Hartford Open after a first round marked by cold, steady rain and the return of John Daly.

Ending a six-week absence from the PGA Tour, Daly is vowing again to lead a sober life after a second go-round with alcohol rehabilitation and an abrupt withdrawal from the U.S. Open in June.

Daly, 30, started on the back nine and finished with 1-over 71 on the 6,829-yard TPC at River Highlands. He birdied two par-3s, double-bogeyed the 444-yard 17th and bogeyed the 434-yard 18th.

“I felt great,” Daly said. “I’m glad we got the round in.”

Steve Pate, who had six birdies and a bogey, was one stroke off the lead.

Defending champion D.A. Weibring finished with a 69. Former Pullman resident Kirk Triplett shot a 4-over 74.

Daly underwent alcohol rehabilitation for the second time in four years after a drinking binge at the Players Championship in March.

Bland leads Senior British Open

South Africa’s John Bland, seeking his first victory of the year, fired a 6-under-par 66 and grabbed the first-round lead in the Senior British Open at Portrush, Northern Ireland.

Compatriot Gary Player, a two-time winner of the title who began the day with three birdies, was two strokes back.

McGann seeks rare triple

Michelle McGann will be going against 143 other players - and history - in the Giant Eagle LPGA Classic at Avalon Lakes Golf Course in Warren, Ohio.

McGann will attempt to become only the fifth player in LPGA history to win the same tournament three years in a row when she plays in the 54-hole event that begins today.

Veteran golf writer dies

Dick Taylor, whose love of golf led to a decades-long career writing about the sport, died in Pinehurst, N.C., after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 72.