Rockin' the Green With Kid Rock

Jul 02, 07:09 AM

Current Headlines: By Jo-Ann Barnas, Detroit Free Press

Jul. 2--GRAND BLANC -- They had an agreement before John Daly teed off in the third round of the Buck Open: If he shot four-under, then Kid Rock would come out and watch him play in Sunday's final round.

Daly had been a guest at Kid Rock's home all week. He watched the musician work on his newest album. He hung out with Kid Rock's son.

And on Sunday morning -- the day after Daly fell short of their pact (he carded a three-under 69 in the third round) -- Daly woke up to the sight of Kid Rock working away in the kitchen, cooking eggs and sausage.

And Kid Rock told Daly: "I'll come with you, man. You're my boy. That's what friends do."

Daly, known by his legion of fans as golf's everyman, teed off shortly after noon, and what followed was: Tiger-like crowds followed Daly and his playing partner, Fred Funk. People watching Kid Rock watch Daly.

Kid Rock was having so much fun -- he had never watched Daly play in a tournament and had never attended a Buick Open -- that he raised a beer and saluted the rowdy gallery at the infamous 17th.

Minutes after Daly finished his round -- he shot 69 for 11-under 277 -- Kid Rock spoke with a few reporters behind the 18th green. Here are excerpts:

Question: How did you enjoy following John?

Answer: Loved it.

Q: Do you get out and watch him often?

A: I've never seen him play. He hits balls off Coors Light cans at my pool. I've seen that -- that's fun. He's the only real pro out here, when it comes down to it: a star.

Q: Were you worried that you'd be a distraction?

A: Yeah, a little bit. When he was hitting his shots, I didn't want to stand in front of him so he'd see me and everything. Although I did a little bit 'cause I wanted to make him nervous -- like, there's a little pressure here; come on, I came all this way -- you better win (laughing).

Q: How and when did you guys meet?

A: It was like seven years ago. He came to a show of mine in Memphis. He bought $4,000 worth of merchandise. That's the type of heart this guy has. I would have given it to him for free -- probably not four grand worth (laughing). He brought his whole family and everybody. He came back and goes, "Man, you got some cool shirts." They were carting them all in. I was like, "You bought all those?" I was like, "Dude!"

Q: It's been a real, obviously maybe a stressful week for you, when you're doing an album, but (Daly) he said he felt privileged to be able to be around you. Can you talk about that?

A: It's been good because when you're on the road, like he's on the road now -- by the way, he drove his car from Arkansas to my house. He didn't bring anybody, just drove himself -- "I'll be there Monday." You start to get in trouble when you don't have anything to do. You're sitting in a hotel room, waiting for the next round. You play golf for, what, four hours? What do you do for the other 20 hours in a day? Sleep for eight of them. That leaves a whole bunch open. You get in trouble, that's what you do. So it was nice having him at the house. Go out to dinner every night. My son's there. He's hitting golf balls and stuff. Just to appreciate somebody's company, that's the real win here.

Q: Now you see what he endures (at a tournament). So what did you think about the scene? You were there at 17, and you got into it a little bit:

A: Loved it; loved it. I think anything in life -- (expletive), that's a big statement right there. Let me back up. You know, he's a people's person and people, they want heroes and they want stars; they want people to believe in. And he's one of them. Who's following the leader around right now? You know what I mean? They're following John Daly around because they can relate to him. And they believe in him -- and they want to believe in him.

Q: This is the first time (you've been to the Buick Open)?

A: I love it. It's in my backyard. I can't believe I haven't been here yet.

Q: How far of a drive, would you say?

A: Exit 91. This is what, 106?

Q: How does it compare to a Pistons game as far as sporting entertainment?

A: The truth is, I can sit at a Pistons game -- in my little high-society frontcourt seat -- and I don't do autographs all game. I don't there because people can't have access to that. This reminds me of NASCAR, like the drivers come out. And I agree with it, by the way. When you make money doing something and you come out and you're part of the people -- and the people made who you are -- give yourself to the people. They're the ones that are gonna be there. I've seen some of these golfers and they're like, "Sshh!." I mean, you can go and golf on your quiet course next to your big house and be there all day with your, "Sshh!" The reason you're out here, making money, is 'cause the people are here. Period. John understands that. He is one of those people.

Q: How would you describe watching him hit a golf ball, and his swing?

A: Rock and roll -- 100% rock and roll. He's a rock-and-roll golfer. I call him Johnny (Happy) Gilmore.

Contact JO-ANN BARNAS at 313-222-2037 or jbarnas@freepress.com.

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