On Sunday, Feb. 17, John Daly took his first US PGA title since he won in Atlanta in 1994. Daly, who has battled weight problems and alcoholism, put in a gallant effort to win in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Ca.

“I can’t explain it,” said Daly. “There have been ups and downs. It’s sweet.”

Daly, a 37 year-old Memphis native, acknowledged a standing ovation from the crowd as he approached the 18th green after landing his second shot in the bunker, 80 feet from the hole. With his powerful long drive of about 300 yards, he was still closely shadowed by Chris Riley and England’s Luke Donald. Daly took a short walk to the hole to read the green. He knew he would have to first get the ball out of the bunker but carry it close enough to the hole for a tap-in putt.

“I didn’t worry as long as I missed on the right of the hole,” said Daly. He knew he would have to carry the ball over the rise on the green and let it trickle down toward the hole.

Previously Daly had 10 out of 12 sand saves and is known as a good sand player. With a solid stroke, Daly carried the ball over the rise. The ball trickled down within a few inches of the cup. Pleased with his shot and again acknowledging the ovation, Daly dropped the putt without hesitation. His putt put him two under par for the playoff and gave him a chance to win.

Meanwhile, Riley and Donald had put their balls within easy putting range. Now the waiting began for Daly. He watched as Donald left his putt a little right of the hole. Then Riley made a nice stroke but the ball lipped out of the cup. A relieved, emotional, teary-eyed Daly covered his face, received a big hug from his caddy, then a big hug and kiss from his wife.

Nine years is a long time to wait, but with 10 under par and 278 for the tournament, Daly had is first victory in 10 years.

“I just love the fans,” said Daly. “I’ve never won a tournament when Tiger has been on the field, and Phil Michelson played a heck of a round. I’ve beaten those players a couple times when I didn’t win, but then to win a tournament like they have been doing us for so long, it feels so good.”

Daly won the British Open in 1995, and the BMW European International Open in 2000, but his win Sunday was an emotional, well-deserved victory for a US major title and $864,000.