‘I Wasn’t Prepared Like Tiger Woods Was’: When John Daly Made a Humble Confession

Tiger Woods is looked up to as an idol for innumerable reasons. His achievements on the golf course obviously stand out. His longevity at the top and development into the face of the game also catch the eye. Additionally, Tiger’s mindset has been steely even at the worst of times. John Daly certainly thinks along the same lines. An early success himself, he feels Woods was prepared for the success that brought his much-acclaimed fame – unlike him.

John Daly’s lifetime of success and fame

Being the most honest yet self-brutal person in the world, Daly simply revealed that his initial success at the 1991 PGA Championship was too much to handle. “It’s still one of the greatest years of my life,” John said about his achievements in 1991.

It was the year that brought Daly his first major championship and rocketed him into international stardom. He was initially not on the roster for the tournament – he made the list after Nick Price dropped out of the competition to be by his wife’s side for the birth of his child. Despite not playing a single practice round, Daly shot exceptional scores of 69-67-69-71 to win the major by a three-stroke margin.

Did John Daly handle his success well?

Virtually unknown at the time, Daly shot up to international fame after his victory. It also brought instant wealth through prize money and forthcoming sponsorships.

Read More: ‘He Said I Have a Long Way to Go’: John Daly Once Revealed That Tiger Woods Surprisingly Leads Him in PGA Tour Fines

Naturally, the media wanted a piece of his success as well. Within 24 hours of sinking his final putt, the champion was invited by CBS for a special segment. Johnny Carson called him to ask if he wanted to appear on the Tonight Show. People magazine, Time, Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and all the Arkansas papers were preparing editorials for the pristine golden boy. Then-Governor, Bill Clinton, even declared Monday to be John Daly Day in Arkansas.

Daly, on the other hand, just wanted to build an ardent fanbase. “I always wanted the fans on my side,” he said, “and I love people watching me play.” But he wasn’t ready for everything else being dished out to him outside the world of golf.

“No, I wasn’t prepared. I just thought you go out and try to win a tournament and if you do, it’s great. I didn’t realize what would happen after I won the PGA and all the stuff that went with it,” he declared.

Daly felt the management of his decisions off the course was what separated him from Tiger Woods. “I wasn’t prepared like Tiger Woods was,” he said. “He was prepared for it ever since he was born, I think.”

Even though Tiger was on the end of glory ever since his junior days, he has been able to channel his energy and focus solely on the game. While his investments and sponsorships have also helped, Woods has become synonymous with golf, something which sadly hasn’t been the case with John Daly.

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