John Daly To Become A Serious Golfer? Are You Serious?

I just read an article that John Daly wants to take his golf more seriously.  Here is the article if you want to read it yourself:   John Daly.   But I found the article interesting in part because I am fascinated by the story of John Daly.  Here is a golfer blessed with enormous talent.  And like the article says, he is not your boring, hum drum personality.  And I agree that the PGA tour could use more golfers with some personality.  But a question comes to mind:  Does the PGA need John Daly?  And a second question, would a more “serious” John Daly be as popular?

The bottom line for me as a golf fan is that I would love to Daly on the Tour, if he cleans up his act off the golf course.  I’m not trying to be judgmental.   One of the things that I like about John is not just his bigger than life personality and style.  I think it’s awesome and believe that it appeals to a lot of people who think golf is just a game for snobby or rich people.  And I think that is good for the game.

But for John’s sake on a personal level and for the young kids who follow golf, I hope he can stay away from the addictions and problems they bring.  I don’t expect him to apologize for anything, he has lived with the consequences for what he has done.  But I’d love to see him play golf bigger than ever AND be able to say in his own way to young people  “Be your own person, but don’t make some of the same mistakes that I did.”

So back to the questions.  Yes I think that the PGA could use a John Daly back on tour.  And would a “serious” John Daly be as popular?  If I read the article correctly,  John isn’t saying he is going to be wearing beige slacks and white shirts all the time , be quiet and serious, and avoid Hooters.  He is saying that he wants to take his game more seriously and be a tough competitor.  And I believe if he does that, he will be more popular than ever.  America loves an underdog.