John Daly Withdraws, Adds Another Career Lowlight

CHASKA, Minn. -- A bad back. That's the official reason John Daly supposedly gave for withdrawing from the PGA Championship Thursday, after shooting a 78 in the first round.

I say supposedly because Daly 4-putted the final hole, shook hands with his group, went to the scoring trailer. And when he came out, he was staring straight at the ground, as a few reporters stood by waiting to talk to him.

He kept staring at the ground, never looked up and was gone. Forever?

You never know.

Is it a bad back or just another Daly flakeout? You make the call.

A few hours after withdrawing, this appeared on his Twitter account:

flash camera back injury from 3 yrs ago still haunting me -- pain is just unbearable making it tough to play -- stretching all day thru the round.

But even if it was his back, consider this: He suggested just Wednesday that his back was hurting because he had lost so much weight from the lap band weight loss surgery he had undergone.

Even that smacks of looking for shortcuts. Daly was not getting into shape from hard work.

This guy is the never-ending story. Last I talked to him was at the British Open, after he had made the cut. Things were looking up. His girlfriend was by his side.

"If anyone wants to lose weight without working out ... " he said, selling the procedure.

He is always selling something now -- medical procedures, clothes that look like motel curtains.

But he said that exactly 27 days ago. The medical procedure was great!

It was an up, part of his resurgence after being suspended from the tour for embarrassing behavior. The PGA Tour does not like the face of golf to be a mugshot with orange jumpsuit.

Then came the down, and 13 days ago, he shot an 88 at the Buick Open, saying that he didn't have confidence and could even consider quitting.

He also tweeted that he would consider surgery to correct his vision.

So now he has pulled out of a tournament for about the millionth time, give or take, and who knows where he's going next?

He's 43 years old, low on money and dressed like a clown.

He still is easily one of the three most popular players on tour, behind Tiger Woods and maybe Phil Mickelson.
But are we cheering for the everyman going with everyman problems or just staring at the car wreck?

It's just always something with this guy, and if this one is legit, well, it's hard to give him the benefit of the doubt. Someone else could have used his spot in the tournament.

Daly is the mess that never cleans up.

Email me at gregcouch09@aol.com

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-14-2009 @ 3:20AM

Bob said...

*Daly isn't allowed the decency to "clean up" his messes, because "journalists" like you are always more than happy to shine a giant spotlight on his failures. Yeah, the guy screws up a lot, but he also NEVER quits! He keeps coming back, giving it one more try, even though he knows that the media is standing by with their nooses and pitchforks, looking for the slightest bobble in his game or behavior. Try writing an article about his indomitable willpower in the face of overwhelming hostile reviews, and be glad that YOU don't have to live your life in the white-hot spotlight. John Daly is just human.

8-14-2009 @ 7:17AM

willie said...

Greg, what professional sport did you play ? no,trumpet in the marching band does not count. i dont enjoy anything you write but i do enjoy reading aol members comments, it appears no one likes you. it's time for AOL to send you back to the hometown local paper were they found you.TIME TO THROW OUT THE COUCH.

8-14-2009 @ 12:06PM

*Throw out the "couch" (LMAO!). Good one, willie!

8-14-2009 @ 12:25PM

Uncle Vinny said...

Hey Gregg, Regarding Golf in the Olympics. Correct me if I'm uninformed or out right wrong. The IOC every four years announces that all nations wishing to compete in the Olympic games..should send their best athletes. America has always sent her best. If the IOC recognizes Tiger Woods, Colin Montgomirie, and Se Ri Pak as athletes, they should be permitted to compete as what they are...athletes..pending the acceptance of the IOC of golf being a competition.

8-14-2009 @ 12:41PM

Hello Mark said...

Who ever is reading these blogs you should all understand that with the type of talent Daly has he is waisting that talent and is a darn shame. If he's not going to take the game seriously enough he should just get the heck out and stop waisting everyones time. I'm a golfer and only wish I possessed his talents, I would take it seriously. John you went to the effort to loose all that weight, it appeared you were turning over a new leaf, but it's the same old John, I guess you needed some money. John you could be great, you have the fans behind you and I believe the press as well but your loosing all of us. I watch Tiger play and I have never seen anyone as focused as he, thats his main talent, yes he's great at hitting the ball where wants, but his concentration is what brings home the trophy every time. John maybe you need to see a sports pysch to get you pointed in the right direction. I know I and great deal of other fans wish you could get straight once and for all and play to your potential. A concerned Fan.

8-14-2009 @ 4:15PM

gabeohara said...

Couch is an idiot!!! Has no idea alcoholism is a disease and the cause of Daly's problems. He is a sick person in need of help. It's unfortunate that people like couch can sit back on their computers hiding in an office somewhere writing ridiculous stuff about things they have no idea about. Do more research Couch! Find out the real reasons Daly has some problems have some compassion and stop beating him up. If it were someone in your family with the same problem I bet you would have more compassion!!!!!