The Honda Classic

John Daly, still one of the top draws in tournament golf despite an injury-riddled 2006 playing season, has accepted a sponsor's exemption to compete in the 2007 edition of The Honda Classic, which makes its debut February 26-March 4 at its new home at PGA National Resort & Spa.

Daly will compete against a world class field headed by defending champion Luke Donald, 2005 champ Padraig Harrington, and early entrants Davis Love III, David Toms, Bernhard Langer, Mark Calcavecchia, Brad Faxon, Justin Leonard, and Dudley Hart.

Daly developed a sciatic nerve problem in his back last summer that significantly hindered the second half of his season. A broken pinkie then ruined his fall. He ended up finishing 193rd on the 2006 money list with $192,134 and making only eight of 21 cuts with five withdrawals. He missed the cut in last year's Honda Classic.

"Business-wise the year was great, but the injuries killed me," Daly said. "I wasn't hurt on the West Coast, but I just played horrible. And then it just never got any better and I got hurt. The sciatic nerve, when I tried to play with it, was just awful. I wasn't able to do the things I needed to do to play well."

The appreciation Daly has gained through the years as one of golf's top fan draws is evident by the majority of tournaments on the PGA TOUR offering Daly exemptions into their 2007 field, allowing him to play a relatively normal schedule this year.

"I've done a lot for some tournaments, but some I haven't played in a while," Daly said. "They really didn't have to give me an exemption, but they did, and that's why I want to go play.  There is no way I'll be able to play every tournament, but I am sure going to try to play most of them."

Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said the exemption was an easy decision for the tournament.

"John is an enormous crowd favorite who has thousands of fans following him every round," Kennerly said. "I know The Bear Trap will be an exciting place to be when John comes through each day. We are anxious to see that atmosphere develop there.

"We have explained the new vision for the Honda Classic to John and he is excited about returning to Palm Beach County. John has had good success at the Honda over the years and we believe our new venue at PGA National that will be played as a 7,300-yard, Par-70 will be ideal for John's driving ability."

Daly took a moment recently to reflect on why he gets the support he does from fans across America.

"I think people can relate to some of the things that have gone on in my life," Daly said. "Everybody has ups and downs. It's great to have the fans because when things aren't going good, you just want to try your best. They motivate me to keep going. The fans have been great for the 16 years I have been out here and hopefully I'll play better for them this year."

Tickets are now on sale for the 2007 Honda Classic and are available in several packages. The Classic Pak includes daily grounds credentials and coupons for more than $150 in savings at PGA National including a complimentary round of golf. The cost is $75. Individual daily tickets can be purchased for $15 (Tuesday and Wednesday), $25 (Thursday and Friday) or $35 (Saturday and Sunday).

Call 1-866-8HONDA8 (866-846-6328) to order tickets or visit thehondaclassic.com.

Special hospitality packages are also available for The Champions Club (18th hole) and The Bear Trap (17th hole).  Call Joanie Connors at 561-799-4619 to order hospitality packages.

The Honda Classic will benefit the Nicklaus Children's Healthcare Foundation.