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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: John Daly waits to play a shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes on December 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: John Daly waits to play a shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes on December 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
John Daly is among the most prominent players in the golf world. However, instead of his game, his prominence has pre-dominantly been a gift of his controversies. Ever since his debut in 1987, the former PGA and Open Championship winner has been known for his alcohol and gambling addiction. These addictions have cost the 56-year-old some major downfalls in his personal as well as professional life.
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After plenty of undoings in his life, Daly opted to become a social drinker in 1996. However, with things not going his way, he lost control during the 1997 Players Championship. An incident, that sparked his third divorce. Also an incident, that led him to think about the downfalls of alcohol.
John Daly gives serious thought to his drinking habits
Following an unpleasant scene during the 1997 Players Championship, Daly was re-headed for alcohol rehabilitation at the Betty Ford Center. Two years after the happening, in 1999, he recalled his addiction with alcohol, opening up about its effects. “I think sometimes, you can control alcohol,” he asserted.
Read More – A $3 million Loss Once Forced Bad Boy of Golf John Daly to Make a Decision About His Future in Golf
As per reports, Daly first consumed alcohol at the age of 8. Considering the years, it goes without saying that the California-born player was well aware of the harmful affects of alcohol. Going further in the conversation, he elaborated on the same saying, “For everybody who has ever been there and gotten really drunk, there are certain times in their lives that they don’t think alcohol does take over.” “It’s not a good feeling when you can barely walk or are laying by a commode.”

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THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – APRIL 30: John Daly looks on after putting on hole two during the second round of the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club on April 30, 2022 in The Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
As mentioned earlier, Daly has been one of the biggest sufferers of alcohol addiction; something, he realized in the year 1999. Heading towards the end of the conversation, Daly said, “I’m 33 years old. It’s a decision I have to make.”
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Watch this story- John Daly reveals the real reason why he bought a golf course and his astounding personal best there
Struggling to perform for the year that followed, Daly made a strong comeback in 2001, winning the BMW International Open. The same year, he also had a T4 finish at the Bell Canadian Open.
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Two decades since then, Daly still consumes alcohol. However, with numerous incidents in the past, the ‘bad boy’ of golf now is a toned-down version of himself. Following a T29 finish at the 2022 Ascension Charity Classic, he is now set to try his luck at Sanford International.
What are your thoughts on Daly’s ghosts of addiction past ? Do let us know in the comments below.
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