Former PGA champion John Daly may not be out of the woods yet when it comes to his illness, but at least he has something to cheer about.
John Daly II, otherwise known as “Little John,” is Daly’s 16-year old son. He is also the newly-crowned winner of the International Junior Golf Tour’s Fall Kickoff event, which took place Sunday at Bishops Gate Golf Academy in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
Daly II held off the charge of Filip Jakubcik, birdieing his last hole to finish 12 under. His final-round 4-under 68 kept him one shot ahead of Jakubcik for the win.
Three days prior to Little John’s victory, Daly announced in an interview with Golf Channel that he had recently undergone a procedure to deal with bladder cancer. However, doctors informed the 54-year old that there was “an 85 percent chance” of the aggressive cancer returning. Daly has resolved to change his eating habits, attempt to quit smoking and visit his doctor frequently in the wake of his diagnosis.
Three days prior to Little John’s victory, Daly announced in an interview with Golf Channel that he had recently undergone a procedure to deal with bladder cancer. However, doctors informed the 54-year old that there was “an 85 percent chance” of the aggressive cancer returning. Daly has resolved to change his eating habits, attempt to quit smoking and visit his doctor frequently in the wake of his diagnosis.
Displaying the heart of a champion, the five-time PGA Tour victor does not fear what the future may hold.
“Well, you know what, I always tell people I’ve lived one hell of a life. No matter what happens, I’m not scared to die or anything,” Daly said in the interview. “It would have been nice to play the last seven or eight or 13 years of my career a little more healthy. But hey, I’m still working, I’m still living life, I’m still doing the things I need to do. … I can accept the challenge. I’m not scared of that. I just want my kids to be OK and everyone else in my family.”
Daly has not seen Champions Tour action since mid-August, when he withdrew after two rounds of the Charles Schwab Series at Bass Pro Shops Big Cedar Lodge due to illness. Earlier that month, he finished T-70 at the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship.
“The doctors aren’t saying it’s too late. Unfortunately, it’s a cancer that keeps coming back. But I’m going to listen to them, and I’m going to try and quit smoking,” Daly said. “If it comes back, it comes back. Six months to a year, if it doesn’t go away, I’m going to live my life. I’m gonna have some fun.”
