It’s Pebble Beach time! This means Carl Spackler and Tin Cup will tee off with the PGA’s best on one of America’s most serene courses.

Here are some thoughts on the tournament:

David Duval: Duval finished last year tied for runner-up with JB Holmes (one stroke behind winner Dustin Johnson) stirring up fan memories of his past playing abilities that led him to win the 2001 British Open. It would be great to see Davie back in form for the start of the 2011 season.

John Daly: John Daly is in the field this week (paired with Dallas Cowboy’s Tony Romo). Daly, struggling with his game, losing his tour card, and seeing his earnings shrink, will be toting a new golf bag that looks like something straight out Caddyshack. The bag sports a loud red pattern that matches the trousers he wears on the golf course and has a built-in flat screen television that will run ads – another needed money maker for Daly. All it’s lacking is the beer tap and clubs that shoot out of the bag.

Michael Bolton: India’s Arjun Atwal will be playing alongside singer Michael Bolton. Wednesday’s 3M Celebrity Challenge brought inspiration to everyone, but it was actor-comedian Anthony Anderson who felt Bolton’s presence the most. Anderson burst into song Wednesday (suddenly and loudly) on the 18th green – his timing seemed suspicious. “When a maaa-an loves a woo-man …” Anderson bellowed semi-melodically as Michael Bolton stood over a 5-foot putt worth $19,000 in charity money. Bolton stepped away from his ball with a cocked eyebrow, waited for the laughter to subside, then refocused and rolled the putt into the cup to win the biggest chunk of the cash in the match.

For the easy-listening fans out there, musician Kenny G is paired with South Korean K.J. Choi. G won the 2001 pro-am with Phil Mickelson in 2001.

Cell Phones: Cell phones will be allowed for the first time in years, provided they are put on silent and users aren’t yapping near the ropes or taking pictures, two big no-no’s (photos are allowed during practice rounds). A public service video from tournament chair Clint Eastwood will remind arriving fans of the new rule as they board shuttle. Paring sheets this year they are available as an app at the Android Market, iPhone App Store, or iTunes.

Business as Usual: As usual, Tiger Woods will skip the Pro-Am as he has done since 2002, playing this week in the Dubai Desert Classic (who wouldn’t choose 135 degree heat over the cool breezes of the California coast?)

Keith

John Daly, still a week away from his official PGA Tour return at the St. Jude Invitational, has signed an endorsement deal with sports drink company, All Sport.  He signed a multi-year deal with the company and will feature their Big Red brand drink on his bag .  “Corporate America believes in his comeback,” agent Bud Martin said Thursday.

John Daly’s 6 month PGA suspension is officially over.  Daly was suspended in November after numerous off the course incidents and had recently been playing on the European Tour.  He has been given a sponsor exemption to play in the St. Jude Invitational June 11-14 and is expected to play.

In other news, Daly wore bright pink trousers in the Sunday’s final round at the BMW PGA Championship as a gesture of support for Phil Mickelson’s wife, Amy, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  “I had a pair, so I figured I’d do that for her today. I thought it would be a good gesture,” Daly said of his trousers. “I know Phil very well and I know Amy. I’ve known them for a long time — we’ve played the Tour together. She’s a great lady. She has always been a sweetheart to everybody.”

While John Daly still has 4 months remaining on his PGA Tour suspension, he is starting to get his game back on the European Tour.

Daly, who had tied for 31st at the Spanish Open last week, finished tied for 2nd at this weeks BMW Italian Open.  Daly shot at 31 on the back nine Sunday, with birdies on 11, 14, 16, and 17, in route to a 5-under 66.  It marked the 5th consecutive round in which Daly broke 70.

Daly has lost about 50 pounds and perhaps has matured since undergoing gastric band surgery in February.  When he finished second to Tiger Woods in the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship in San Fransisco, Daly drove to Las Vegas and lost $1 million gambling in just 30 minutes.

That’s right, fresh off a 6 month PGA Tour suspension, John Daly is ready to get back to playing golf.  Daly will be coming back as a changed golfer.  He’s stomach has shrunk (thanks to surgery) and his gambling, drinking and divorce have left him near bankruptcy.  Daly says he’s looking forward to “hitting the European Tour” this week.

Daly’s first action will be the Spanish Open.  This will be Daly’s first tournament since being thrown in jail to sober up almost 6 months ago.  After this, he is scheduled at the Italian Open in Turin, the Irish Open in Baltray and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to have this guy back in my life: