ESPN Golf

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Could the FBR Open be the new home to the long-hitter?

	Daly

PGA Tour rookie and noted big bomber J.B. Holmes claimed the 2006 title, and it was announced Wednesday that veteran John Daly will receive the first of five sponsor's exemptions for the 2007 FBR Open, scheduled to be played at the TPC Scottsdale, Feb. 1-4.

"John Daly is a crowd favorite wherever he plays on the PGA Tour, but especially here at the FBR Open," said FBR tournament director Pat McGinley. "We look forward to having him back in the Valley this February."

Daly is a five-time tour winner, including two major championships (1991 PGA Championship; 1995 British Open). He's played in 13 FBR/Phoenix Open tournaments and has career earnings in Phoenix of $407,726, with a best finish of T-4 in 2002, when he earned $176,000 and finished two strokes behind champion Chris DiMarco. At the 2006 FBR Open, Daly was forced to withdraw after nine holes into his second round due to illness.

In 2006, Daly played in 21 PGA Tour events, making eight cuts and earning $192,134. He finished 193rd on the PGA Tour money list and is currently ranked 145th in the Official World Golf Rankings. He will enter the 2007 season on a Minor Medical Extension (injured forefinger on right hand).

The 2007 FBR Open will take place Jan. 29-Feb. 4 at the TPC Scottsdale. This year will mark the 72nd playing of the Open, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR. With more than 500,000 spectators each year, the FBR Open is the most attended tournament on the PGA TOUR.