John Daly, feeling healthy and heavy, opens with a 68 at BMW Masters

John Daly of the U.S. tees off at the 2nd hole during a pro-am competition ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai, China, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. The Shanghai Masters will begin on Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

John Daly of the U.S. reads the green before putting at the 2nd green during a pro-am competition ahead of the Masters golf tournament at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai, China, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. The Shanghai Masters will begin on Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

SHANGHAI – John Daly made a strong return to golf Thursday with a 4-under 68 at the BMW Masters.

Daly is healthy again after surgery to repair the shattered tendon in his right elbow. And he is heavier after a steady diet of chocolate during his three months away from golf.

In strong wind at Lake Malaren, the two-time major champion was able to rely on three-quarter shots to navigate his way around the course. He played bogey-free and trailed American Luke Guthrie by three shots midway through the opening round of the European Tour event.

Daly received a sponsor's exemption into the tournament. He last played at The Greenbrier in early July before having surgery.