Round 1: FedEx St. Jude Classic

Stan Badz/PGA TOUR

John Daly opened with a 1-under 69 Thursday.

By Brian Wacker, PGATOUR.COM

Count John Daly among those who wasn’t bothered by the heat in Memphis Thursday. Of course Daly lived in the area for 19 years so he’s used to it, even if he has spent some of his season playing in Europe.

“The heat helps,” Daly said. “You get older, you don’t know which bone is going to crack when you get 45. Every time you swing, it pops out.

“Europe is great, but it’s just cold all the time, I never get loose.”

Daly was plenty loose Thursday, making six birdies (and five bogeys) on his way to shooting 1-under 69 that leaves him in good position.

The second round, of course, will be key for Daly. He’s played in nine PGA TOUR event this year but made the cut in just two of them. Of those nine starts, Daly has opened with a 70 or better six times.

But Daly is happy with his position and his game heading into the second round at a familiar course.

“It was a good ball striking day,” Daly said. “Good to make some birdies.”