Golf-Daly battles to 74 after alleged assault by wife

NEW ORLEANS, June 9 (Reuters) John Daly shot a four-over-par 74 in the St. Jude Championship second round in Memphis, Tennessee after revealing he had been attacked by his wife the previous night.

The big-hitting American, playing this week on a sponsor's exemption, issued a statement earlier in the day after he had reported the incident to local police.

''While I slept at home last night, I was the victim of an assault by my wife,'' Daly said.

''This morning, I filed a complaint with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. They are investigating, and I'll have no further comment on the matter while they pursue their investigation.

''My only concern at this point is for the safety of my children and myself, and we are working closely with local authorities and PGA Tour security officials to assure appropriate safeguards.'' Daly told the police his wife Sherrie had tried to stab him with a steak knife and his cheeks bore scratch marks when he arrived at the TPC Southwind to prepare for the second round.

His relationship with his fourth wife has been a tempestuous one since they first met at a golf tournament in 2001 and married seven weeks later.

He and his wife independently filed for divorce last October four months after Sherrie had completed a prison sentence on federal charges involving an illegal gambling operation and a drug ring.

DRUG ACTIVITIES The alleged drug activities took place between 1996 and 2002, but the golfer has always maintained he had no knowledge of them.

''We're working it out,'' Daly said of his relationship with Sherrie towards the end of last year.

''We love each other just a little more than we hate each other, just like the book. We're trying to work things out. I think we will.'' After firing an opening 70 at the TPC Southwind, the double major winner battled in Friday's thunderstorm-hit second round.

He piled up five birdies, five bogeys and one double-bogey, dropping shots on the last two holes to finish right on the project cutline of four-over 144.

A prodigious driver of the golf ball with a magician's touch around the greens, the Wild Thing has been one of the biggest drawcards in the game since turning professional in 1987.

''I think people can relate to some of the things that have gone on in my life,'' said Daly, who has spent most of his adult life struggling with alcohol, anti-depressants, gambling, binge eating and divorces. ''Everybody has ups and downs in life.'' REUTERS SAM KP1740