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My Shot I used to be on everyone's A-list, but these days I'm finding out who my friends really are

I'm the Tour's forgotten man--not by the fans, who have been
awesome although I've had five rough years--but by the sponsors
and some of the players I considered friends. From 1991 to '98
they begged me to play in their off-season events. Now they
don't want anything to do with me.

I remember when Greg Norman would ask me to play in the Shark
Shootout and when sponsors, like Diners Club, would plead with me
to play in their Silly Season events. Even when I was screwing
up, they were inviting me to their tournaments because I sold
tickets. I was a draw. But when I needed to play last year, they
didn't invite me.

I think Greg is mad at me because last year I missed a dinner at
his tournament in Australia. The dinner was on a Tuesday night. I
arrived that morning jet-lagged and fell asleep in my room.
Contractually I wasn't obligated to go to that dinner, and I'd
never hold something like that against anyone. I had always
considered Greg a friend, but now I never hear from him.

I understand that the world is founded on "What have you done for
me lately?" But I've done a lot of favors for a lot of people.
Now, when I could use a favor in return, I'm not getting one, and
that's something I won't forget.

I've got to get over my disappointment, but it's tough because I
enjoyed playing in those tournaments. The money was great, and I
always felt as if I did a good job--except that time I hit the
ball over the heads of the fans in bleachers at Peter Jacobsen's
event. That might not have been the smartest thing to do.

I'm still praying that I might get back to the Masters someday,
though that won't happen this year unless I win the Players
Championship next week. It's funny how things have changed for
me, but I guess I've got to get used to it until I start playing
better.

COLOR PHOTO: DARREN CARROLL John Daly, 34, finished 11th in the Honda Classic.