The Common Golfer

On Friday, in his second round at The Buick Open, the soap opera that is John Daly’s life continued.  After starting out -1 through the first two holes, Big John went on to shoot an 88 that included a quadruple bogey and a quintuple bogey.  “The last two weeks have been the first time in my career I didn’t think I could win,” Daly said. “I don’t have the feel I used to have. I don’t have the confidence. I just don’t have it. I tried my (tail) off and shot 88. I’ve thrown in the towel and shot 82 when I quit. But I didn’t quit this time. It was a weird feeling.”

With all of the ups and downs that Daly has gone through in life, I’m sure people all over the world are pulling for him since his return to the tour this past month.  Daly was sort of the first of the long-ball hitters on tour…something which helped lead him to multiple wins and tour, including two majors.  His personality and style of play have always attracted large groups of fans on the course, and I certainly hope we aren’t seeing the last of him.

After being suspended for 6 months in late 2008, Daly travelled overseas to compete and played relatively well.  His swing coach Rick Smith attributes the current decline in play to the rapid loss of weight Daly has undergone after having Lap-Band surgery.  ”I saw a guy I didn’t know existed,” Smith said. “What I saw today was scary. It was a literal disconnect. He hasn’t eaten or slept in a week. His body needs food, and it’s going to the muscle, and the muscle is breaking down to the point he’s in a toxic state.”

At this point, it seems the best thing for Daly to do is take some time off to let his body rest and acclimate to the sudden loss of weight.  As a personal John Daly fan, I can only hope that this current slide doesn’t have any long-term effects on his confidence in his game, and also that it doesn’t lead him back to drinking.  I think that well-rested, and physically fit, he will be fun for everyone to watch for years to come on tour.  And in terms of winning tournaments, hopefully we haven’t seen the last of John Daly.