W INTERVIEW
L
AN INTERVIEW WITH AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFER
JOHN DALY AHEAD OF HIS VISIT TO WIRRAL
Bursting onto the Golf scene in 1991, the then relatively unknown
John Daly certainly got our attention. Going from zero to hero he
won the 1991 PGA Championship and the rest they say is history... Do you still get that feeling of excitement when you pick up a club?
Yes absolutely - It's all I have ever known. I love competing and it's given
me a great life.
Daly is known primarily for his driving distance off the tee (earning
him the nickname "Long John"), his non-country club appearance
and attitude, his exceptionally long backswing, the inconsistency of
his play (with some exceptional performances and some controversial
incidents). Johns private life is as fascinating as his professional life,
and almost as colourful as his legendary trousers. Of all the tournaments you have won which is your stand out
moment?
That's easy - St Andrews in Scotland - home of the Open Championship
and where I won, it's the best course in the world and has the best
memories for me.
Wirral Life talk exclusively to John as he prepares for his visit to
Wirral. We hear your son 'Little John' is following in your footsteps?
Yes I sure hope so. I feel already that he is a better player than me - he
really is a talented kid.
You are known as a bit of a rebel John, not normally something you
would associate with the formality of Golf. How do you manage to
follow the rules?
That's easy I don't. Is it true you once won 1.5 million dollars, flew to Vegas and lost it
all in 24 hours?
That isn't the exact story, but I will say that over the years I've lost over
50 million dollars but hey ho!
We are looking forward to having you back on the Wirral. Last time
you were here was in 2014 when you played at Royal Liverpool, what
did you think of our course?
Oh it's a fantastic course. I love to play on a links golf. It's fun and
challenging, and the views were beautiful. And what can I say about the
local people! They were all so nice and so friendly - I was made to feel
very welcome there. How is your body holding up as we heard that you have suffered some
injury?
My right knee isn't in the best shape but they allow me to use a buggy
and to ride the Championship course. I really would struggle to walk
18 holes.
Your golf trousers are almost as famous as you, how did that all begin?
My very good friend is the CEO of Loudmouth, Scott Woodworth. He
took matters into his own hands, literally. He found some fabric with
Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck on golf carts on a powder blue background
and made himself a pair of golf pants of questionable taste. When guys
started coming up to him out in the middle of the golf course asking
him how they could get a pair, he realized there was a hidden desire on
the golf course… To play LOUD! I love them, the louder the better - the
worse the colours the more I love them.
You have said you have 5000 addictions, which one have you enjoyed
the most?
That's easy - smoking!
If you hadn't become a professional golfer, what do you think you
would be doing now?
That's easy, a field goal kicker or a baseball pitcher. I've always had a
strong right arm, so I would have to have used it for something, it's just
worked out well for me.
You said you have never been to the gym as they won't let you smoke
there, how do you keep fit?
Walking the course, I'm not the fittest person (laughs).
What would 53 year old John say to 21 year old John?
Laughs. Well I would tell him to work hard and play hard, maybe not
play as hard as I did, practice my short game more than anything, but
really I have no regrets. I've had a lot of fun on the way.
You are known to be very generous with your time and for your
charity work. Tell us more.
This game has given me the opportunity to help some great charities -
my 'boys and girls club' is truly in my heart. I am blessed to be able to
help so many charities. I also do a lot with the Folds of Honour which
provides scholarships for children who have lost family members whilst
serving in the military. I am very lucky to be able to support both these
charities.
So Tiger Woods won the Masters how do you two get along?
He's always been nice to me and overnight has become a living legend.
The win was a huge victory, proving to himself he could beat the
youngsters and get another major under his belt.
Maybe you could have a drink with him?
Woods turned me down for an adult beverage not once, but twice in a
span of a few hours, choosing instead to hit the range and then the gym.
Not somewhere you will ever find me.
An Audience with John Daly takes place on Sunday 30th June 2019 at
Thornton Manor. Tickets are available from www.ticketquarter.co.uk
wirrallife.com 33