‘Never Got My Confidence Back’: Now 56, John Daly Once Revealed His Horrors of Being Optimistic Despite Playing With Broken Ribs and Injuries

On his arrival on the circuit, John Daly captured the imaginations of golf fans to become the darling of the sport. His immense talent, including a booming swing, led to his victory in multiple events, including two major championships. However, his wild personal life, coupled with his troubled marriage life, has often been highlighted for his poor performance. But not many know about his struggles with injuries that caused his downfall, which Daly revealed in an interview back in 2011.

John Daly goes through life struggles in the 2010s

While Daly made heads turn at the start of the millennial, his stock soon evaporated. The image of a party animal that wasn’t serious enough about the game became a perception, which caused a steady decline in his fame.

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By 2010, he was standing at a crossroads. Within years after being invited by the Australian board to play at their tournament, Daly’s antics forced the country’s golf executives to pull the plug on his participation. He was also at crossroads with his marriage, as his third wife, Sherrie Miller, divorced him in 2007.

However, among all the controversies, Daly’s struggles with injuries were completely overlooked. Once leading the charts for distance on the PGA Tour, the 56-year-old found himself way behind his contemporaries.

John Daly’s shoulder troubles led him to NFL players

Daly was nursing a serious shoulder injury, alongside fractured ribs. By his own account, the immense pain stole all his confidence. “For four years I’ve had a separated shoulder and two fractured ribs and I’ve never got my confidence back,” he said.

To get rid of the situation, Daly spoke to a number of people, including players who were accustomed to such injuries. “I spoke to a few NFL footballers and they’ve told me it’s better if you break the ribs rather than fracture them. Because the pain doesn’t go away.”

Despite the agony, Daly was hopeful of making a decisive comeback. “But I’m getting there. Hitting the ball well, if I could just put it all together. I still believe I can win.”

While Daly got back to playing regularly, his old self was never on display again. Now 56, he plays on the PGA Tour Champions, while also participating in the majors on the account of his past wins.

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