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via Getty
KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 20: John Daly of the United States reacts before playing his shot from the first tee during the first round of the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course on May 20, 2021 in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1319025785.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 20: John Daly of the United States reacts before playing his shot from the first tee during the first round of the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort’s Ocean Course on May 20, 2021 in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
John Daly does not have the most conventional story. The pro golfer has had his share of struggle day in and out. Be it his addiction to food, gambling, or even smoking, Daly has probably lived through it all. He is one of the few golfers who never failed to grab the public eye. He is mostly in news for a multitude of reasons, ranging from his personal to professional life.
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Daly talked about how he struggled in his attempts of trying to fit in. Honestly, Daly is definitely not like other golfers. Long John was brought up in a completely different environment. Even though he was born in California, Daly was raised in the small town of Dardanelle, Arkansas. He faced difficulty in adjusting to the golf world.
John Daly, the American Underdog, talks about how he didn’t fit in
Long John has probably had a very long history of struggles, some greater than others. He has faced multiple addictions, from substances to food, to even gambling. He is also currently fighting strongly against cancer.
Daly’s ‘never-give-up attitude’, however, is probably what makes him America’s favorite underdog. However, he has had his share of trying to fit in.
He said, “I just didn’t fit in. Do you know what I mean? I wasn’t a silver-spoon kid on the golf course growing up. And no disrespect to any of them, but it was hard for me to get to know some of the guys on Tour.”
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-12-19T225245Z_1529429559_MT1USATODAY17386768_RTRMADP_3_PGA-PNC-CHAMPIONSHIP-FINAL-ROUND.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 19, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; John Daly walking on the 18th green during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament at Grande Lakes Orlando Course. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy/Reuters
Daly does not shy away from talking about his internal battles. He once talked about how he was very close to attempting suicide. As per sources, Thomas “Hollywood’’ Henderson, the famed Dallas Cowboys player who overcame substance abuse problems, was the one to help him out of the situation.
What makes things even more interesting, however, is how Long John has an even longer history of overcoming the shortcomings life brings his way, and rising higher each time.
Is Daly retiring anytime soon?
Daly is currently 56 years old. Most players decide to retire from golf by the age of 50, but Long John chose to defy the ageist stereotypes. The player’s lifestyle is not like other golfers.
He is a firm believer in living life to the fullest and is definitely keeping at it. Long John is still making millions out of his golfing career.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; PGA golfer John Daly kicks a ball on the sideline during the second half of the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2022 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
He has successfully battled his addiction to drinking and gambling. But that is not all that he has fought. The pro golfer is currently taking up a much bigger fight with cancer and is emerging as a strong survivor.
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What do you think about Daly’s opinions? Share your views in the comment section below.
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