The past few weeks have brought us compelling golf... and entertaining golf stories... from all corners of the earth.
China inaugurated the celebrity-studded Mission Hills Star Trophy in Hainan and welcomed a stellar field of the world's top players to Shanghai, for the WGC- HSBC Champions. Many of those stars then went on to play in Singapore or Australia, and some are now enroute to Hong Kong. Tiger Woods even squeezed in a charity event in Thailand along the way.
Looking forward, the Middle East beckons, with the European Tour's Dubai World Championship and the LET's Dubai Ladies Masters both upcoming.
"Global Golf" has officially become a buzz-phrase, and top players are making unexpected choices as to where they'll play in the future. Talk of an all-inclusive global golf tour is being heard more frequently as well. Which brings me to John Daly... and a young man by the name of Alihan Afşar.
Like other professional golfers JD is traveling extensively these days. While many US golfers played in Singapore, Australia and Orlando last week, Daly took his multi-chromatic, LoudMouth trousers to Antalya, Turkey for 2010 Beko Classic Pro-Am.
His delightful girlfriend Anna is almost always with him. She's beautiful, has an amazing sense of humor and takes care of most of the photography duties on their global golf adventures. Anna is an awesome Ambassadoress.
The couple is in Hong Kong now where John will play in the Hong Kong Open then it's on to Australia for the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship. Meanwhile back in Turkey Alihan Afşar will be inspired by his memories of a day spent on the golf course with the affable golf ambassador.
Photos: via @PGA_JohnDaly
A great story that proves popularity is not just about who is winning on the course but who works to communicate with their fans and win win more fans by touching their heart.
ReplyDeleteJohn Daly is that rags to riches to rags story that I know has not yet reached it's final chapter.
Well said. It really bothers me when some of these guys get paid millions to appear then do so in such a perfunctory way that they may as well have just called it in.
ReplyDeleteJD is one of the rare players who really engages with fans, and I get the impression some of the other players resent him for that. Like, "if he makes himself that accessible then we'll have to as well".
I hope has a great time in his travels and doesn't listen to his critics.
John and Anna: have fun & keep doing what you're doing.
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ReplyDeleteas long as he stays out of the casinos it will be a pleasant trip
frankD
ftlauderdale so FLA
great article,,, boy he looks relaxed on that flight
ReplyDeleteI really admire the way John Daly has handled his "recovery". He hasn't tried to become a goody-goody, holier-than-thou roll-model. He's chosen his battles, given up many destructive habits and stayed true to himself.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that's so frustrating is that JD has so much talent and you just wish he could break through again and win. If he does, I think we'll see golf take off in amazing ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat's brilliant is JD/Loudmouth partnership. I don't know if either party could have guessed how well it would work out.
ReplyDeleteAnna is also extremely friendly and personable - met her in Augusta this year. She's a fantastic partner for JD. Glad to see him so happy and supported.
ReplyDeleteFor the longest time I was one of the folks saying that John Daly was undeserving and that he'd never change. But reading this I'm realizing that in fact he has changed. He's changed a lot of things and it couldn't have been easy. I'm glad he seems happy and I'm hoping for the best for his golf.
ReplyDeleteHi there. A nice post. I totally agree with your point of view that John Daly is one player who has always lived life on his terms and did not shy away from treading the unconventional path. I think he has the most colorful personality amongst golfers all over the world and is not afraid to flaunt it. He makes an effort to connect with fans and is constantly charming them with his friendly and relaxed persona. What I like best about Daly is the fact is unlike many others, he flaunts his vices and virtues with equal ease. I wish all the best to this great player.
ReplyDeleteGreat site, playing golf with you in a bikini would be better than you blogging in one. You are absolutely beautiful! You have a new fan. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI am golf lover, like your post.
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