NOTEBOOK

updated 7:11 p.m. ET May 6, 2008

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem stressed in a players meeting last week the importance of having a professional appearance. About the same time, a video was making the rounds of John Daly looking anything but that.

Daly was in Branson, Mo., at a golf course that bears his name, John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, for a television appearance. He showed up wearing only blue jeans — no shoes, socks or shirt, and played with a local TV anchor.

Finchem declined to say whether he has spoken to Daly, but he made his expectations quite clear Tuesday.

“There are certain things about presentation that we must insist on,” Finchem said. “There are certain things about presentation that are not going to be tolerated. I think that the world changes and you make adjustments, but I think perhaps we need to be more direct in our comments to players about specific do’s and don’ts, and increase focus in that area to make sure that we have a level of professionalism going forward that we’re comfortable with.”

It was the latest incident with Daly that some found offensive.

Two months ago at the PODS Championship, he spent a rain delay in a Hooters tent, then used Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden as his caddie for the final few holes. Daly was playing on a sponsor’s exemption.

That led swing coach Butch Harmon to fire Daly for spending more time drinking than working on his game. Daly said last week that Harmon called and apologized for such harsh comments, and how it cost Daly his endorsements.

Harmon said he never apologized to Daly, then offered a quick look Tuesday at a text message he sent Daly that urged the two-time major champion to start taking responsibility for his own actions.

Innisbrook action
Innisbrook wondered if it would have a tournament next year. Now there’s a chance for two.

Finchem inadvertently announced Tuesday that officials were close to a deal with a new title sponsor for the March event north of Tampa.

He was asked about the search for sponsors in Tampa and Atlanta.

“Well, help me out here. I thought we announced Tampa,” Finchem said. “Did we announce Tampa?”

INTERACTIVE The Players Championship Take a look at the history and records of golf's "Fifth Major."

This led to some stammering by his staff, who informed him there had not been an official announcement on the Tampa event.

“Well, we have two big problems. One is Tampa,” Finchem said, pausing to join the laughter. “And one is Atlanta. And I think I’m not supposed to say anything else. It’s still our intention to fill the title positions in those two tournaments. If we are not done in Tampa, we are very close to being done.”

Meanwhile, LPGA Tour officials have made two site visits to Innisbrook as it considers a new tournament. But while the men play on the Copperhead Course, resort owner Sheila Johnson is interested in having the LPGA Tour on the renovated Island Course.

Brittany Lincicome said she was asked to take part in an official site visit in March. LPGA Tour officials declined comment.

Print this Email this Blog this  IM this

MORE FROM GOLF

Golf Section Front

Garcia captures 'Fifth Major' win in playoff Playoff hole gives Goydos a sinking feeling Wind provides amusement at TPC island green   Video: Aerial views of the TPC Sawgrass course History and records of The Players Championship Behind the famed 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass 'Annika’s back' — Sorenstam wins with ease Hennie Otto wins Italian Open by one stroke   Video: 10-handicapper to tackle Tiger's challenge Interactive: The hardest holes in golf Golf Section Front   Add Golf headlines to your news reader: