John Daly has lived life the hard way.
He’s been stabbed by an ex-wife.
He’s had enough divorces to lose track of them.
He’s been arrested.
He’s been fined often.
He shot 90 at the Valspar in 2014.
He’s had lucrative endorsement contracts terminated by sponsors.
He’s lost 50 pounds then gained most of it back.
He’s consumed massive quantities of alcohol in his lifetime, even to the point where Butch Harmon told him to take a hike back in 2008 and declared:
“The most important thing in Daly’s life is getting drunk.”
You get the picture. It’s just been a career of John Daly being John Daly.
Daly joined the Champions Tour a year ago at the Insperity and spent the next 12 month wallowing in mediocrity — his best finish was a T11.
Daly’s 13-year losing streak came to a stylish end Sunday in the Woodlands, a year after he joined the old-guy set.
Daly held the overnight lead then started the final round off with an eagle. The sun would finally shine again on John Daly. He would go on to overcome some nervous moments down the stretch to shoot 69 and edge Tommy Armour III and Kenny Perry by a shot.
Daly’s winning scorecard went: 68-65-69: 202, 14-under par at The Woodlands.
“It’s just awesome,” declared J.D. after he was appropriately doused with champagne on the 18th green, something a lot less strong than he’s used to.
J.D. was quick to thank the sponsors he was able to muster despite his tainted past and track record. “I want to let all my sponsors know I love them and thank them for everything.”
On his way to that last green, Daly got down and kissed an Arnold Palmer umbrella logo they had painted on the grass. The King of Drama paid tribute to The King.
Done deal.
Good for J.D.
More attention for the over 50 set.
J.D. was back.
Finally.
