John Daly began the 2001 season without a tournament win in five years and a world ranking which had plummeted to 456. Although he failed to impress at all four of last year's majors, he shone in Europe, finishing joint-third at the Scottish Open in July and then winning the BMW International Open in Munich two months later for his first title in six years.
In Munich, he set a European Tour record-equalling 27-under-par total over the four days. By the year-end, had made the biggest move in the official world rankings, rocketing up to 51st. He produced four top-10 finishes on the U.S. Tour to win almost as much money as his previous five years combined.
Daly maintained his rejuvenated form in the first month of the 2002 U.S. PGA Tour, finishing joint-31st at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and tied for fourth at the Phoenix Open.
