John Daly, a name synonymous with golfing prowess and an unapologetically unique lifestyle, has captivated fans worldwide. Beyond his remarkable achievements on the green, Daly's dietary habits and lifestyle choices have become a subject of both fascination and bewilderment. This article delves into the intricacies of Daly's diet, his relationship with unhealthy habits, and how he manages to maintain a successful career despite his unconventional approach to health and fitness.
A Diet Coke Connoisseur
Daly has always been candid about his fondness for Diet Coke, openly admitting to consuming a substantial amount daily. In a 2016 interview with Graham Bensinger, Daly proclaimed, "I don't drink water. I hate water. I cannot stand to drink water." He further revealed his past habit of consuming "12-20 Diet Cokes a day," often paired with frequent trips to McDonald's. He said: "Rich Beam calls me 'camel' cos I never drink water. I drink diet coke, I like to have ice which to me is water so I get plenty of water in my diet coke,"
CBS sports reporter Will Brinson once tweeted his hawkeye findings of Daly's diet, taking 'meticulous notes every time he reached for his golf bag, took a bite or a sip or a puff' during the 2008 Wyndham Championship.'The final tally of literally everything he put into his body over a full 18 holes: 21 cigs, 12 Diet Cokes, 6 packs of Peanut M&M's, 0.0 ounces of water,' Brinson tweeted.
Fast Food and aversions to vegetables
Daly's affinity for fast food is no secret. He has openly expressed his love for Burger King, McDonald's, and Taco Bell. Recalling his younger days, Daly shared, "I used to be able to eat two Big Macs, two or three cheeseburgers, chocolate shake and regular coke back then, sitting pretty easily." While he claims to have reduced his fast food intake, he still indulges in his favorites, often modifying his orders to accommodate his dietary preferences.
Bensinger then said he had heard Daly is physically sick when he eats vegetables.'Pretty much, yeah' Daly said. 'I don't eat beans spinach, broccoli, any of that stuff. When I was young my dad would force it down me and I would throw it up.'
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Smoking and other habits
Daly's smoking habit is another defining aspect of his public persona. He started smoking at the age of 19, consuming around two to two and a half packs a day for almost 29 years. Even on the golf course, a cigarette is never far from his hand. Daly has acknowledged the difficulty of quitting smoking, stating, "What I've learned, it's harder to quit smoking than it is to quit drinking."
Recent Revelations: Seltzers and Milk
In a recent interview with ESPN reporter Ryan McGee, Daly was asked about his consumption habits of John Daly Seltzers. Daly responded, "I think I've done 55, 60 of these." When pressed on his daily consumption, Daly quipped, "Yeah, it's only 4.5 percent alcohol in them. Yeah, it's not carbonated; it's basically water."
Adding another layer to his already intriguing dietary habits, Daly revealed to Bensinger that he had recently started drinking whole milk. "I drink about five gallons a week of whole milk. I like mixing Hershey's in my vitamin D milk," he said.
Health Scares and Physical Challenges
Daly's lifestyle choices have inevitably taken a toll on his health. In September 2020, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which he later said was benign but would require regular check-ups. He was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his right knee in 2019, making walking long stretches of the golf course a challenge. This led the PGA to allow him to use a cart during tournaments.
Daly's perspective on health and longevity
Despite his unhealthy habits, Daly has offered his perspective on health and longevity in golf. He praises Tiger Woods for his contributions to the sport but cautions against intense workouts, suggesting that they may be detrimental to golfers' long-term careers.
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The contrast with Bernhard Langer
The stark contrast between Daly's lifestyle and that of fellow golfer Bernhard Langer highlights the different approaches to health and fitness in the sport. Langer, a proponent of healthy living, attributes his longevity to his strict regimen of exercise, stretching, and minimal alcohol consumption. In contrast to Daly, Langer doesn't smoke at all.
Daly's enduring appeal
Despite his unconventional lifestyle, Daly remains a beloved figure in the world of golf. His down-to-earth personality, willingness to engage with fans, and remarkable talent have earned him a loyal following. Daly's success, despite his lifestyle choices, challenges conventional notions about health and fitness in professional sports.
A champion's diet: what does it really look like?
It is important to note that Daly is sponsored by Hooters and has been known to visit the bar after a round of golf. He apparently enjoyed some wings before ending his night on the slot machines at a casino.
Daly is also friendly with Trump and has played a round with the former President before. During a practice round for The Open on Wednesday, Daly had a Trump emblem on his shirt.
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