John Daly, a name synonymous with both golfing prowess and a refreshingly unconventional lifestyle, has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of professional sports. Unlike the meticulously crafted image of many athletes, Daly has always presented himself as relatable. He looked more like one of us than one of them. And he still does. His appeal lies in his "everyman" persona, a stark contrast to the often-perceived elitism of golf. This authenticity, combined with his undeniable talent, has made him a fan favorite and a sought-after endorser, even amidst health struggles and admitted vices.
A Champion's Rise and Relatable Image
As a kid, he enjoyed the typical sports and activities of boys his age but was soon drawn to the fairways. Daly's breakthrough came in 1991 at the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick. The unknown 25-year-old, a former University of Arkansas golfer, slipped into the PGA Championship as the ninth alternate and then won the whole thing despite never having seen the course before. This unexpected victory, fueled by his "grip-it-and-rip-it" style, immediately resonated with ordinary golfers. Everyman golfers were in awe of his grip-it-and-rip-it style.
His powerful swing and aggressive approach to the game were a departure from the more conservative styles prevalent at the time. He became the first player to average more than 300 yards off the tee in 1997 and led the PGA Tour in driving distance 11 times between 1991 and 2002. He also won a second major, the Open Championship, at St. Andrews in 1995. It was a shock to the system for the sport.
Off the course, Daly further solidified his image as an "everyman." He was more Jack Black than Jack Nicklaus, an eccentric character with a mullet who ripped cigs, drank beer, ate at Hooters -- his favorite restaurant -- and never took himself too seriously. On the course, he pushed the limits of golf fashion from argyle to anarchy. He openly embraced a lifestyle that included smoking, enjoying Diet Coke, and indulging in less-than-healthy food. “There are probably some things I could do to keep my flexibility up, but I’d rather smoke, drink diet Cokes, and eat. He has never been shy about discussing his vices.
The Endorsement Deals: A Reflection of Daly's Brand
Daly's unique appeal has translated into lucrative endorsement deals, most notably his long-standing relationship with Hooters. Since 1997, the large -- and larger than life -- peanut M&M-eatin', Diet Coke-swiggin' legend sets up all week to sell his wares and take pictures with his people, with a Marlboro Red dangling above his wooly beard. This partnership is a perfect match for his image, aligning with his preference for the casual dining experience and his connection with a broad fan base. He isn't paid an appearance fee, but it's a mutually beneficial arrangement for the two parties, who also have a business partnership.
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During The Masters week, Daly made a splash by holding court at Hooters in Augusta, where he cashed in on the crowds and flaunted his ongoing partnership with the well-known restaurant chain thanks to an endorsement deal renewal earlier in April. Last year, Daly sold about $780,000 of goods on the Hooters patio, according to his team. The hats -- some with an illustration of Daly's face, others encouraging us to grip it and rip it -- at $40, keep selling all day. Boxes of his "Short Game" cigars, with 20 4½-inch-long stogies, "full of cinnamon earth and elegant floral notes," sell for $250. They were sold out by Wednesday morning.
Beyond Hooters, Daly has also ventured into the beverage industry with his own line of seltzers. Golf legend John Daly left ESPN's Marty Smith utterly gobsmacked by claiming he's knocked back up to 60 of his branded seltzers in one day. Known as 'The Wild Thing' and acclaimed for his vibrant presence on the golf course, Daly has lived life in the fast lane even outside his sport. During the show, Daly got the chance to talk up his new cocktail collection from Good Boy Vodka. Daly confirmed: "Yeah, we're non-carbonated. We know there's no additive sugar; we're gluten-free. It's only 4.5 percent alcohol in them. Yeah, it's not carbonated; it's basically water."
These ventures are a testament to Daly's enduring marketability, proving that authenticity and relatability can be powerful assets in the world of endorsements.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Relevance
Sadly, it wasn’t just on the course that he faced these challenges. Daly has openly battled personal demons, including struggles with drinking and gambling. “If it’s not drinking, it’s gambling; if it’s not gambling, it’s eating anything from burgers, doughnuts to M&Ms. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2020. Daly's treatment included surgery, one of 16 he estimates that he's had in the past eight years, including on both feet, both knees, a shoulder, an elbow and a wrist.
Despite these challenges, Daly has managed to maintain his relevance and fan base. Daly likened himself to a mythical figure: "I'm like Lazarus. I keep coming back from the dead. I didn't think I'd been out here for three decades, I've only been dead 11 times… 16 surgeries in four years, I've lost count pretty much." This resilience, coupled with his continued appearances on the PGA Tour Champions and his engaging presence at events like the Masters, has solidified his status as a beloved figure in the sport.
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The "Everyman" Appeal: A Deeper Look
Daly's connection with fans goes beyond his golfing achievements. “I think people relate to me because of the ups and downs I have had. He represents a departure from the perceived perfection often associated with professional athletes. He looked more like one of us than one of them. And he still does. His flaws and struggles are visible, making him relatable to those who have faced their own challenges.
Daly's accessibility is also a key factor in his popularity. At events like the Masters, he interacts directly with fans, signing autographs, taking pictures, and sharing stories. "John Daly's my hero," said Bret Bowen, an Augusta resident. "He's the best, drunkest golfer there ever was." Daly sells signed golf balls for $10 -- "$1 for the ball, $9 for the signature," one of his staffers said, along with pictures, shirts and replica pin flags from his 1991 PGA Championship win at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana, for $100. He'll sign anything anyone buys and takes a picture with them.
This direct engagement fosters a sense of community and loyalty, turning fans into devoted followers. "The people come here and it's like the first time to Disney with him," Odom said. "Each person that comes up, they have a story. It's like being with Michael Jordan. You can't go to the gas station without people coming up." For them, Daly is a role model."John resonates with us. You see the DBT?" he says, pointing to his hat. "That's the name of our golf group: Drunk By the Turn. John is our mascot. I love what he represents. He's just an easy, free guy. Smoking cigarettes, drinking and playing golf."
Daly's Political Views
Legendary golfer John Daly celebrated President-elect Donald Trump's historic election win as celebrities have struggled to accept the results, arguing the country is yearning for his America-first leadership as he prepares for his White House return. Daly reacted to Trump's win during "Fox & Friends," arguing the country needs the president-elect's leadership so he can protect America once again, touting him for working "miracles" during his first term."Our country needs Daddy Trump, and what he did…. [when] he became president, our 45th… What he did for four years was a miracle," Daly said on Friday. "He got us out of a lot of a lot of things. All he wants to do is protect our country. It's like we want to protect our kids and our family. Daddy Trump wants to protect America, and he's going to do it again."
Daly argued Trump's success stems from voters' desire to return to an America-first agenda which prioritizes the needs and safety of citizens above all else. He also responded to the distraught reactions of a variety of celebrities and public figures, like Cardi B, LeBron James, Billie Eilish and Mark Hamill.
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"It goes back to protect our family," Daly said. "You've got to protect our borders. You've got to protect the American citizens. You've got to protect the family before you can protect anybody else, and that's what ‘daddy’ wants to do. What's going on [with] the… Venezuela gangs in Colorado taking over apartments and people and immigrants taking over hotels and stuff… you've got to protect the family, and that's America."
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