John Daly enters Hong Kong Open 100lb lighter
John Daly has never been thought of as a health nut. But the 44-year-old golfer, known for drinking Pepsi and chain-smoking on the golf course, has slimmed down recently, dropping 100lb
to bring his weight down to 195lb. But Daly, who won the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 British Open, is still getting used to his new frame.
"The biggest problem has been my putting because I've got nowhere to put my elbows," he told reporters recently. "I used to be able to put my elbows on my love handles and putt pretty
good. Now they're all over the place. It's taken a while to get used to this, but I know it's for the better for me and hopefully the results will come pretty soon."
Daly is in Hong Kong getting ready to tee it up at the Hong Kong Open, the $2.5 million European Tour event taking place this week. With his last official win coming in 2004, Daly is looking
to rejuvenate his golf game against a strong field that includes reigning U.S. Open champion Graham McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, and Miguel Angel Jimenez. But Daly, who is known for his off-course issues including multiple divorces and alcohol issues,
said injuries have slowed him down this year more than anything.
"It's been a tough year with injuries," he said. "I've had my shoulder put back in place probably about five times this year – I've had it popped back in before I came over – but the ball
striking has been great."
"I probably have made more cuts this year on tour than I ever have, but just didn't do anything on the weekends," he added. "I'm looking forward to a good week and I'm feeling good."
The last victories at any tournament for the hugely-popular Daly were wins at the 2006 and 2007 TELUS Skins Games. He hopes to win a more meaningful event soon.
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