PGA, players angered by Daly meltdown

SYDNEY, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- PGA players and officials Thursday condemned golfer John Daly's "unprofessional" walk-off at the Australian Open in Sydney.

The long-hitting Daly, currently ranked 666th, used up all the balls in his bag on a water hazard at the 11th hole after becoming upset for being penalized for playing the wrong ball out of a 10th hole bunker, ESPN said.

After blowing up at the 11th, he handed his scorecard to his partners, got in a courtesy car and left The Lakes course, The Australian reported. He was 4-over par through 9 holes at the time and 7 over for the tournament.

"It's very disappointing obviously to the tournament, certainly unprofessional. I'm extremely bitter and disappointed that he's treated this championship this way," said Trevor Herden, Australian Open director and director of championships for Golf Australia. "It's become a bit of a habit. It's unacceptable and I certainly hope that all the tours deal with it in the appropriate manner this time."

In 2008, Daly, once known as much for hard drinking as his long drives, was suspended by the U.S. PGA Tour for his conduct.

The PGA of Australia has disinvited him to play in the Queensland Sunshine Coast classic later this month.