Craig Parry, who played with Daly last week at Huntingdale - and in the American's group at Coolum in 2002 before he was disqualified - is a Daly booster.
"He is always under pressure for his past, and I feel for the guy," Parry said. "He's got a ton of ability, and it was disappointing to see some players have a go at him for getting an invite."
Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open winner, said the sport needs players like Daly.
"He's the most colorful character that's played golf in the last 25 years," Ogilvy said. "Hopefully he plays 72 holes (this week) and ends with 14 clubs."
A less-known fact of Daly's 2002 blowout was that in addition to throwing his putter and ball into the pond, he left behind his golf bag and clubs to the Australian branch of the "Make-A-Wish" foundation for a charity auction.
"He is a lovable type of guy and he has a heart of gold," Parry said. "He's just done some silly things. Frankly, I believe he has more ability than the whole field put together."
The 42-year-old Daly hopes that ability carries him to a return to a top-50 ranking, and then perhaps another major to add to his 1991 U.S. PGA Championship and the 1995 British Open.
"I look forward to the British Open every year, it's my favorite major," Daly said. "Ever since I first saw St. Andrew's in 1992 or '93 I fell in love with Open golf."
Daly was asked, if given a choice, he'd rather have two majors and the headlines, or one major and a quiet time sitting in an armchair.
"Two majors," Daly replied, laughing.
