GOLF NOTES

PONTE VEDRA BEACH – Look who’s in contention for the Players Championship through one round – John Daly.

A calmer, gentler, seemingly more-in-control Daly shot a 2-under 70 yesterday and stands just two shots out of the lead entering today’s second round.

It’s a position with which Daly is unfamiliar, having finished in the top 10 just twice in 12 starts in this event, having missed the cut five times and withdrawing twice.

“This course has always been tough for me; I’ve never been comfortable on this golf course,” Daly said. “I was joking with [PGA Tour commissioner] Tim Finchem [on Wednesday] and he asked me, ‘Are you going to play good [Thursday]?’ I said, ‘I feel like I can beat my average here, which is about 80.5.’ “

Daly’s average prior to yesterday’s round was actually 73.96, but you get the point.

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Sergio Garcia, who’s had a miserable start to the season, entering this week 112th on the money list, shot a 1-under 71 yesterday and, regarding his slump, he said, “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Thank God my life is secure.”

Carl Paulson, who finished tied for fourth here last year, withdrew after playing 10 holes yesterday with what was described as a wrist injury.