Golf: Olazabal takes World Series: Spaniard regains Ohio title while Daly hits out

(First Edition)

JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL, of Spain, came from three shots behind to win his second World Series of Golf on Sunday, while off the course the American John Daly scuffled with a 62-year-old man to risk the third suspension of his career.

Olazabal hit a three-under-par 67 to score a one-stroke victory over Scott Hoch, who shot 70. Overnight leader Steve Lowery who shot 72, and Brad Faxon with 69, finished tied for third at nine under. Nick Price, the Open and US PGA and champion, could do no better than a 73, finishing well back on 276.

Olazabal finished with an 11-under-par 269 and said he was more satisfied with this win than his 12-shot victory of 1990. Olazabal, the reigning US Masters champion, joined Nick Price as the only multiple winners on the American tour this year.

'I am very proud of the way I played today,' Olazabal said. 'The conditions were really tough. It was very windy. The water was more in play today than the past three days. I concentrated really hard today and struck the ball really well.'

According to numerous spectators and participants, the long-hitting Daly got into a scuffle with the father of US club pro champion, Jeffrey Roth, in a car park after completing his round.

Daly, playing in the group behind Roth and Mike Springer, hit shots into that twosome at least twice during the round, coming within three feet of hitting Roth on the 14th hole. After finishing the round with an 83, Daly got into an argument with Roth's parents.

According to eyewitnesses, Daly insulted Mrs Roth and her 62-year-old husband using several obscenities. Roth then tackled Daly from behind and pulled him to the ground, where they tussled briefly. Daly left the course immediately after the incident and was not available for comment.

The PGA Tour commissioner, Tim Finchem, said in a statement: 'I have been informed of the incident that took place in the parking lot, and I have asked the staff to look into the matter and give me a full report. I will talk to the people involved before I make any public statement.'