Q&A: John Daly

A Lion in the Jungle of Golf
 
NiceBallz is proud to publish the first in a series of interviews with prominent golf personalities. We recently emailed with two-time major championship winner John Daly to discuss his recent recommitment to golf and the current state of his game. We also discussed what he enjoys about being active online where he chats easily and openly with fans and posts photos of his girlfriend and (soon to be purchased) dog.
 
Daly, whose nickname and personal logo are The Lion, has a big heart, a big personality, big fun and a past filled with big flaws. But his incredible talent and incomparable friendliness has built a big legion of fans over the years. At times he can be funnier than all of us, and as fallible as any of us. The guy is easy to like.
 
Daly – being himself – combines a seemingly no-nonsense approach to life with an apparent occasional sense of denial, which makes him such an interesting public figure. This is a man whose golf mantra is “grip it and rip it” and whose book, “My Life In & Out of the Rough,” promises “the truth behind all that bull**** you think you know about me.” Like NiceBallz, Daly gives it to you straight. We dig it.
 
Admittedly, at NiceBallz we’re encouraged by Daly’s recent improved play and we’re cautiously optimistic that this time around he’ll find sustainable happiness and success. We think he’s great for the game because he’s colorful and engages fans in a way the new generation 20-something automatons cannot. We’re grateful for his generosity of time to share insights into his state of mind with our readers and his fans. He’s a father, a busy businessman and he’s traveling internationally for work. Stressful stuff. Speaking of travel, Daly told us he’ll next play on the European Tour at Wentworth and then Wales.
 
Is Daly on his way back to winning again? And, is he taking a new and different approach to golf and life? We believe these are fair and honest questions. After all, NiceBallz gives it to you straight even if your golf game isn’t. Just like the incomparable John Daly. See for yourself. Enjoy.
 
NiceBallz: You’re obviously reinvigorated, but you’ve said yourself you don’t see this as a ‘comeback.’ How would you characterize the current state of your game and what you’re hoping to accomplish at this point in your career?
 
John Daly: I’m still competitive and love the game of golf, and I hope to win again!
 
NiceBallz: When and why did you start working with Rick Smith and what are you focusing on most with him? (http://twitter.com/RickSmithGolf)
 
J.D.: Rick contacted me through a mutual friend and we just clicked. We’re working on the follow through and my back swing.
 
NiceBallz: Everyone’s noticed that you’ve lost weight and you’re looking great. Was there a reason you chose lap band stomach surgery over diet and exercise?
 
J.D.: Diets just didn’t work for me and being overweight is just hereditary.
 
NiceBallz: It seems like the weight loss is agreeing with your game, any specific benefits to your swing?
 
J.D.: Improved speed.
 
NiceBallz: You recently had a great T-2 performance on the European Tour.  How much confidence did you take from that finish, and how confident are you about how your game is improving at this early stage in your return?
 
J.D.: I’m focusing and I’m feeling it’s finally all coming together.
 
NiceBallz: Tell us about your partnership with Loudmouth Golf. How did it come about? And, did they have to do any convincing with you to wear those pants?
 
J.D.: Larry [Jackson] is a good friend of mine and I didn’t have any clothing deal at the time, and they offered a nice partnership and future with the company.
 
NiceBallz: From the outside looking in, sometimes it has appeared as though you’ve fallen in and out of love with golf. Weekend amateurs often deal w/the same thing. Any advice you could give them about how to get motivated to practice and dedicate themselves to the game again?
 
J.D.: I have never stopped loving the game of golf; that’s what keeps me motivated. It’s a hard game!
 
NiceBallz: If you had your pick (aside from majors) what would be your first tournament of choice to play in the United States this year?
 
J.D.: Any of the tournaments.
 
NiceBallz: Have you had any conversations with the PGA Tour about when and where your return to play in the United States may happen?
 
J.D.: I’m not really allowed to talk about it, but Memphis should be the first one.
 
[NOTE: It is unclear why Memphis is a front-runner. The John Daly Charitable Foundation has donated over the years to many children’s support organizations. The PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Last June, Daly missed the cut in Memphis after a second-round 81.]
 
NiceBallz: You have always been known as a ‘man of the people.’ What is it about your fans that lends you such great motivation and/or support?
 
J.D.: Because I put my pants on the same way they do. I don’t hide anything about my life.
 
NiceBallz: You’re big into twitter, impressions from using it?
 
J.D.: It’s a great opportunity to meet some fans online.
 
NiceBallz: When 2009 is over, what do you hope you’ll have accomplished?
 
J.D.: I have no real goals set, just play the game and stay focused.
 
For official information about John Daly and his book, please visit http://www.johndaly.com/. For a more personal look you will find J.D., in all his friendly openness, online at http://twitter.com/PGA_JohnDaly. For more golf reviews and commentary and comedy, follow us at http://twitter.com/NiceBallz and http://twitter.com/GolferWriterGuy.

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