After hoisting his second major championship trophy at St. Andrews in the 1995 British Open Championship, John Daly joined an elite club. At the time, Daly's victory made him only the fourth golfer since WWII with two major championship victories before the age of 30. He joined Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller at the time. Tiger Woods has since joined this elite list. 

In 1991, Daly captivated the golf world from seemingly out of nowhere. The 25-year-old rookie won the PGA Championship and took home tour Rookie of the Year Honors. He displayed a lethal combination of power and finesse. The Arkansas native seemed primed to dominate the tour with his mind-boggling length of the tee, soft hands, and wedge game.

Daly would win three more times during the next four seasons, including his second major championship at the 1995 British Open. With two major championships entering his 30s, typically the prime years for a golfer, Daly's place in the World Golf Hall of Fame seemed like a formality.

However, Daly remained winless on the PGA Tour during the eight seasons following his Open Championship. His personal struggles are well documented. Despite his poor play, Daly's exempt status on tour was solidified through the 10-year exemption he earned through his Open Championship.

Daly had a resurgence in 2004 with a victory at Buick Open Championship, his first since the British. He finished 21st on the money list in 2004, which earned him his first trip to the Tour Championship since his rookie season. Daly continued his strong play in 2005, finishing 42nd on the money list. He was ranked 29th in world at the conclusion of the 2005 season, earning him an invite to the 2006 Masters.

The 2006 season marked the final year of Daly's two-year exemption resulting from his Buick Open victory in 2004. Last season was disastrous for him. He suffered through injuries and a divorce, finishing 192nd on the money list without a single top 15 finish to his credit. Nevertheless, Daly should gain entry into most 2007 PGA Tour events through sponsors exemptions, and exemptions through the past champions category according to wikipedia.org.

Daly's professional career has mirrored his life, a roller coaster with sharp peaks and valleys. Nevertheless, since winning the PGA in 1991, his exempt status has never been in jeopardy. Ironically, Daly's name remains on the World Golf Hall of Fame ballot as his professional career reaches a new bottom. Is John Daly worthy of the Hall of Fame?

In order to become eligible for the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA Tour players must be 40 years old, be a tour member for at least 10 years, and win at least 10 tour events or two major championships or Player's Championships. Some notable current PGA Tour players on this year's ballot include Fred Couples and Davis Love III.

Daly remains a long shot for the Hall of Fame. Despite his two major championships, Daly has only five PGA Tour victories to his credit. Furthermore, Daly has never competed in a Ryder Cup or President Cup. He would probably have to win another major to have any chance, considering that Curtis Strange, with 17 PGA Tour wins, back-to-back U.S. Opens, and three money titles, has not yet been inducted. Without another major championship, Daly's chances are dismal.

Despite his poor play in 2006, Daly remains one of the biggest draws in golf. The endorsement contract keeps rolling in. According to JohnDaly.com, Daly signed an endorsement deal with Maxfli last February. In August, he announced an agreement with World Apparel Group to produce and distribute John Daly Apparel. Moreover, The Golf Channel featured Daly in his own reality television show "The Daly Planet"

Nevertheless, according to John Daly.com, tournament sponsors are standing in line to extend exemptions to Daly. He received a sponsor's invitations to the Sony Open, as well as the FBR Open and EDS Byron Nelson.

Despite all his personal struggles, Daly has many endearing qualities. He's given generously to charity and his fans. When he's asked questions by the media, he answers them honestly and without the typical censorship displayed by most contemporary professional athletes. He is clearly fallible, people can identify with that, perhaps that's why he's beloved by so many.

Daly's two majors showed he was capable of winning on golf's biggest stage. If he regains the form he showed in '04 and '05, he will find himself in contention again. If Daly's balky putter holds up, there no reason to think he can't win again.

However, first things first, Daly must earn enough money in 2007 to regain his PGA Tour status. Certainly, his many fans will be in his corner rooting for him.