Golf icon John Daly reflects on his extraordinary career and multiple brushes with death while preparing for The Galleri Classic tournament.
According to the New York Post, the two-time major winner made light of his numerous health challenges by comparing himself to Lazarus, claiming he has "only been dead 11 times" while discussing his three-decade-long career in professional golf.
The 58-year-old golf star's candid remarks came after being shown his rookie tour card from 1992, sparking a moment of reflection on his remarkable journey in the sport. His witty comment about multiple resurrections highlighted his resilient spirit despite facing numerous medical setbacks throughout his career.
Daly's latest health challenge emerged just two months ago when he underwent emergency hand surgery. The procedure was deemed successful, with the golfer sharing updates from his hospital bed and expressing optimism about his return to the sport.
His determination paid off as he made his comeback at the Champions Tour's Hoag Classic in California this month. Despite acknowledging that his hand was only at 80% recovery, Daly's return to competitive golf demonstrated his characteristic resilience.
The veteran golfer revealed the extent of his medical procedures, disclosing that he has undergone 16 surgeries in the past four years due to complications with tangled tendons. These multiple procedures highlight the physical toll his career has taken on his body.
Daly shared his experience with bladder cancer during an appearance on the "Like a Farmer Podcast," describing the frightening symptoms that led to his diagnosis:
I was peeing blood, pukin' blood. I thought my back was killing me, and I didn't know. And I went in Little Rock, got a checkup and everything on my back and then, was it a neurologist? Doctor saw it and said, 'You gotta come back.'
The golf legend underwent surgery to address the cancer and has now been in remission for four years. His successful battle against cancer adds another chapter to his story of survival and perseverance.
Despite the numerous health obstacles he has faced, Daly maintains an optimistic perspective on his life and career. When reflecting on his younger self in the rookie picture, he offered a simple but powerful message: "Hey, great life."
His ability to find humor in difficult situations has become a defining characteristic of his public persona. This was evident in his comparison to the biblical figure Lazarus, as he stated:
I didn't think I'd been out here for three decades. I've only been dead 11 times. I'm like Lazarus. I just keep coming back from the dead. That's when I could actually play the game.
Through his various health challenges, Daly has continued to inspire fans with his resilience and determination to return to the sport he loves.
John Daly, the charismatic golf legend known for his powerful drives and colorful personality, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his career, including emergency hand surgery, multiple procedures for tangled tendons, and a successful battle against bladder cancer.
Despite these setbacks, he maintains his characteristic humor and positive outlook, demonstrating remarkable resilience as he continues to compete on the Champions Tour, proving that his story of survival and comeback is far from over.
