By now, it's probably well known that John Daly is not a fan of helicopter rides. So, it came as no surprise when it was Rocco Mediate who emerged from the black chopper at the Trump International Golf Club in Puerto Rico, on an overcast day in mid-March. Rocco was there to play one-on-one against John Daly, who's grand entrance was a bit more subtle (and by land of course). The event was meant to showcase the talent of two very popular PGA stars, during a match play event that was featured on Golf Channel's television series Donald J Trump's Fabulous World of Golf. Donald Trump, who promoted this event, has grown to become an influential golf course builder, owner, and event promoter. Trump is well-liked by many golfers for his obvious passion and his proven willingness to invest vast sums of money to create spectacular venues. The man, quite simply, is good for the game.
"Donald is a great guy and a friend" said Daly who, like Trump, understands what it's like to struggle mightily, but also what it means to succeed at the highest level. In fact, the two seemed to share a sort of kinship as they interacted during the event.
Trump suggested to Daly that he ask anyone who questioned his commitment to the game, or ever again suggested that John had somehow squandered his talent, where "they had won their two majors". One can't help but wonder whether the comments were partly directed at Daly's former coach Butch Harmon, who never won anything of any importance himself, but was fond of taking unprovoked public swipes at Daly. One thing seemed certain however, that Trump has a deep understanding of what it takes to win and has tremendous respect for anyone who could have won two major championships!
In a funny moment, when Daly played a great recovery shot after a stray drive, Trump jokingly referred to Daly as "unconventional", to which John replied "that makes two of us Donald!" Trump could only laugh in agreement.
But, despite some fun along the way, Daly and Mediate remained competitive. As is often the case when two elite players of any sport meet, pride and competitive instincts take over. In fact, both players were grinding their way through some tough holes. For John, the day started without a proper warm-up and with a hooked drive off the first tee. The cool Rocco however, in his usual fashion, played a consistent "fairways and greens" style, which got him off to an early lead. But, under a cool grey sky, it only took a few holes for Daly to find his groove and to rally from behind. Using a combination of his trademark power and short game touch, Daly was able to catch and overtake the talented and beloved Rocco Mediate to win the event.
In so doing, John took home the handsome Trump trophy and a nice sum of money which was donated to his favorite charity: the Boys & Girls Club back home in Arkansas. "It was a great round as usual with Rocco and it felt good to win something for a change" quipped Daly.
This isn't the biggest event ever won by this two-time major champion. In fact, it doesn't rank anywhere near the top of John Daly's accomplishments. But, it would be a mistake to underestimate the meaning of it at this particular time in John's career. This handsome trophy represents a considerable benchmark in the long and arduous climb back to the top for Daly.
Sometimes, the smallest things take on the biggest meaning in our lives. In a season now famous for the fall from grace of Tiger Woods, this fortuitous stop by Daly in Puerto Rico and the win against Mediate stands in sharp contrast as yet another positive milestone in what John acknowledges is a comeback season full of positives.
Much has been written about John Daly, as usual much of it alluding to the hard times. The media loves to kick anyone when they can. In fact, just ask Donald Trump for that matter who, despite all his accomplishments, has been criticized for the struggle of his casinos. This criticism comes as if none of his other spectacular successes mean anything! As for John Daly, the spotlight never seems to shine as brightly as when there is a big number to write about, or a personal issue on which the media can feed.
As the year progresses however, any remaining struggles are being overshadowed by the mounting number of successes on which Daly is building a respectable season. Admittedly, the season started slowly, after a 2009 worth forgetting. For John Daly, who is known to friends and fans as "The Lion", the PGA tournament in Puerto Rico was the second of six consecutive cuts made during March April and May. This is a streak as yet unbroken, as he prepares for Colonial. In that context, The Trump win seems to take-on a particular significance. Winning becomes a habit almost as quickly as losing does. For Daly, making cuts and grinding through rounds has become the norm these days. The golf is getting better and clutch performance is coming back. In fact, fans smell blood and brazen calls to victory are often expressed by Daly's loyal fans - the Lion's pride - on Facebook and Twitter!
For anyone who has watched Daly swing a club, it is easy to see that few possess such a natural combination of power and grace. Still one of the tour's longest hitters, still one of the top ball strikers to ever pick up a club, it has been tough at times this year for Daly to maintain his level of play, due mostly to a series of nagging injuries. Of late, two bulging discs in his lumbar area have caused him considerable back and hip pain. Daly explains that "doctors are telling me that these recent injuries all stem from the rib injury I had in 2007."
The rib injury in question occurred at the 2007 Honda Classic, where poor security allowed for an irresponsible patron to clic a camera as Daly was driving the ball. Daly's mid-swing attempt to stop the powerful momentum of his drive caused a serious tear to rib tissue. The resulting injury almost wiped-out his career and has cost John millions of dollars in sponsorships and countless opportunities.
There is however no reason to dwell on the negative at this point. Even for Daly, his new outlook has forced a change in him. Perception has become reality. He refuses to let a bad stretch of holes or even a round ruin his mojo, he is enjoying life, he is surrounded by a better crowd, he is more fit than ever and he trains more than ever. For Daly, this is a year of new beginnings. So much is new and so much is positive, in fact, that he has been able to work through some of his life's most daunting challenges quietly and gracefully. There are still a few hills to climb. For John Daly, who has lived his troubles out in the open however, the ability to keep it all under control comes from a new found commitment and inner-peace. It isn't the mountains ahead left to climb, as Muhammad Ali said, its the pebble in your shoe that wears you out. Daly seems to have found a way to keep pebbles out of his shoes...
With that, the Trump trophy brings with it a new hope for great things to come.
