Yahoo Sports is reporting that Daly, a two-time major winner in the 1990s who has battled alcohol and gambling addiction for the better part of his golfing career, was taken to hospital in an ambulance after collapsing on the 18th hole of a golf course in Canton, Mississippi.

It is understood the 49-year-old was playing at Deerfield Golf Club when he collapsed.

There is speculation he might have collapsed as a result of dehydration, but nothing has been confirmed at this stage.

Daly was playing in a small, local tournament  in Jackson's northern suburbs.

Daly's friend, Billy Allen, who was with Daly at the hospital, said the two-time major champion's vital signs were good but doctors were checking on possible injuries to his ribs and fingers.

Deerfield club pro Leigh Brannan, who was at the tournament, said Daly was having trouble with the heat and had some difficulty breathing before being taken to the hospital.

Temperatures were near 33 degrees Celsius in the Jackson area.