Customer Reviews

My Life in and out of the Rough: The Truth Behind All That Bull**** You Think You Know About Me

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1 star:		(7)

 

 

The sports autobiography may be one of the few genres in which the publishing industry has realized strong growth as there is no shortage of new releases concerning the athletes that so many of us admire. Golfer John Daly is the latest to tempt readers with an autobiography. Just after it was issued, it received considerable media attention, mostly due to its admission that the author gambled away, in the course of his career, over 50 to 60 million dollars.

My Life in and Out of the Rough: The Truth Behind All that Bull**** You Think You Know About Me promises to be a wild and "shocking" ride, but, strangely enough, it isn't as John Daly is one of the few people on this earth whose personality and essence closely correspond with his physical appearance. Simply due to repeated observation, readers will not be surprised to learn that he is impulsive, undisciplined, gluttonous, financially reckless, extremely emotional, friendly, kind, prone to bad habits, and a complete "Razorback Redneck" (in his own words). Golf is the only thing in life that he's ever been really good at, and the links were the only place he felt comfortable during his troubled childhood. We can sum him up by saying that he is the epitome of a southern good old boy who happens to be plagued by, in the vernacular of our day, some serious issues.

His daily behaviors exemplify that he is not one to idly chat about personal philosophy. Daly follows his mantra and is what he is which means he has little interest in self-improvement. "The Lion," the nickname he most prefers, will smoke, drink beer, and eat at McDonalds until one of the habits kill him. Intentional exercise also is not something to which he can relate. All of this leads us to the one aspect about the "Big `Un" not readily detectable via observation which is his toxic level of masochism.

John Daly is a thoroughly self-destructive man. When he becomes upset, and this does not appear to be an infrequent occurrence, he responds by hurting himself as opposed to hurting others. He has trashed numerous hotel rooms, and even, after a fight with one of his wives, wrecked his own house. What these damages ended up costing him I cannot fathom.

It is in this interpersonal area where his masochism is irrefutable. We know that he is perfectly aware of the pathology behind his matrimonial unions as he named one of his chapters, "All My Exes Wear Rolexes," but his cognizance has not altered his behavior. He is ripped off time and again by women who discard him as soon as they have put in the court mandated days for pension and earning vestment.

All of these blunders should not amount to our being over-sympathetic towards the author as he is an adult who has made his own willful choices. He may be nave and ignorant but he is not stupid. These recurring disasters have been inflicted and enabled by his own mind. They are psychologically satisfying to him in a way to which the rest of us cannot easily relate. He rebelled whenever friends, family, sponsors, doctors, and society tried to change him which means that he will remain uneven and unfinished forever. The only consolation is that, when the final tallies are penciled onto the scorecard, the only person he's ever really hurt is himself.

This great book chronicles one of the most important problems confronting scores of the world's population today. Untreated alcoholism and it's many manifestations. As this interesting book reveals time and time again, alcohol is the culprit behind the insanity of a very gifted but very ill man named John Daly. What little time he spent without ingesting alcohol of any kind...not just Jack Daniels...his life got better. And each and every time Mr. Daly picked up...his life got worse (as demonstrated by his performance this year on the PGA Tour). An alkee in his cups can only perform at about 30 percent of his or her ability...until all becomes impossible. Mr Daly has achieved enormous success using 30 percent of his God-given ability. Read the book...and see how King Alcohol really works. Unfortunately, John is still in denial and his life will continue to get worse. I know...I'm his sponsor waiting for the call. Uncle Jasper

Though not particuarly well written, this autobiography is nonetheless engaging and entertaining. Many of Daly's personal faults are already well known, so there is not too much in this book anyone will find shocking. Despite what another reviewer wrote, I never felt that Daly was making excuses for his behavior, giving his side of the story and providing more context to the myriad of situations he has created and found himself in over the years. He is by and large unapologetic, which in a way is refreshing. He seems mostly at peace with who he is and his take me or leave me attitude is sad in some respects. His ongoing gambling problem, poor diet, poor romantic choices, binge drinking, etc have kept him from regaining his position as a great golf player. If you like Daly buy the book. He is a definite character and overall a likable one who seems to generally appreciate his fans and those less fortunate than himself.

First off, let me start out by saying I've always been a John Daly fan, so I had to read this book. Daly has so much natural talent that it makes most golf pros sick just to watch this guy, especially when they know he's wasted some of his best years on women and addictions. And you notice, I say addictions. Daly freely admits being addicted to sex and gambling, but refuses to admit being an alcoholic. Well, anyone who has ever dealth with alcoholics, or lived with one, would be the first to step up to the tee box and tell John he has a drinking problem. But until the day arrives when he'll admit it, mostly to himself, he'll always have a drinking problem. My guess is, as long as Daly can afford to drink, he won't stop. However, if he doesn't quit gambling, he'll see the day that he can't afford to buy the booze, and that will happen as sure as God made little green applies.
But those problems are Daly's to overcome and not for the rest of the world to judge. He isn't alone in a constant battle to overcome his addictions. He told his story in this book and I, an avid reader, happen to think he's told it well. I picked up the book at the local library, but I'm planning to order a copy for my library collection. Daly has admitted to his mistakes, but the press decided to hammer him about the dark side of his life, and didn't give Daly a fair shake when it came to reporting about the domestic abuse ordeal. When the press decides to hammer on a guy, they can be so merciless even when so totally wrong. It's not about who's right or who's wrong, it's about the story. And most people are gullible enough to believe what they read, some even want to believe it when in their heart they know it probably isn't true. That's just journalism, nothing fair or right about it at times. Daly touched my heart with his story, and I'm pulling for this guy 100%. I hope someday I'll have the chance to meet up with him personally. He reminds me of another "heavy-set" golf pro I happen to know, a gentle giant of a guy that can knock a golf ball into forever, who never met a stranger, and has a heart the size of Texas...just like Daly. And this guy, like Daly, thinks the new golf course (designed after the Scotland links) where he's head pro, is just the greatest. It's a challenge, that's for sure.
I recommend this book to anyone that's a John Daly fan, or anyone that loves the game of golf. I love a "Grip it and Rip it" golfer, and Daly fits that description perfectly. You go, John.

John Daly is a great storyteller. He has the ability to keep readers captivated. The strong book sales indicate that golf fans are not the only folks drawn to his colorful life.

John D. is introspective, possessing deep insight regarding his golf skills as well as his vices, including alcohol. Although he doesn't admit to being an alcoholic, now or in the past, he does mention cross-addictions. Deep down, I believe there's a part of John that knows he is an alcoholic.

As a recovering compulsive gambler, I know firsthand how the ambiance of a casino can provide an escape from emotional pain. In order for John D. to address his numerous addictions, he will definitely need a solid game plan to battle his fiercest competitor -- himself.

bought for a golf fanatic, who enjoys the stories behind the game, he laughs and falls silent with a do not disturb sign-he cannot put it down.

This book is sensational. I had the pleasure of spending an evening with J.D. in a bar back in 2000 and had plenty of conversation with him. I also have followed him on tour and I have watched the Planet Daly program on the golf channel. This book is written in first person as told by J.D. himself. I personally could not put it down. The book describes his life story from beginning to present. I really felt like he was talking to me as I was reading the book. I give him a lot of credit for getting involved with this project. It is easy to see that he had alot of involvement with this book. His own personality really is displayed by the words written. I am surprised that he can remember all of what happened. If you thought that J.D. was open about his problems you will still be amazed by some of his stories in this book.

I enjoyed John Daly's "My life in and out of the rough: the truth behind all that bull ****". The soaring heights and abysmal lows are something that I understand very well. It is great to see his admissions of his problems and his on-going attempts to get them under control to a degree. I've heard many people talk about "what could he be if he were to stay straight and clean for a while?" Like Daly says, you might have something you like better but you won't have him.

Daly is a motivated guy and has bouts of discipline in his life but doesn't seem to let those bouts bring him down. This guy is a true American character and the lessons in his book are good on both sides, the good and the bad.

I read John's book last week and I still have mixed opinions about it. It was interesting and insightful but at the same time I was a little disappointed as well.

The book starts out interesting but somewhat looses momentum in the last third. John has a reality show on The Golf Channel called "The Daly Show", there is a portion of the book that has material already used on his show. So if you've watched his show, sections of his book seem a bit redundant.

I have to admit after reading the book I would rather not see John represent the USA in the Ryder Cup. He made an attempt to show that he's just a regular guy in his book, but he's got more problems than 10 regular guys combined. His self-destructive way about going through life is disturbing at best. It makes it aweful hard to finish the book and still maintain any sense of respect for the author.

The book was decently written athough it did contrdict itself on a few occasions (in one case it did on the same page) but that is just as much the editor's fault.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Whether you like him or not or think he's wasted some of his talent -- John Daly is John Daly. His book gives the reader an indepth look at who he really is. He doesn't pretend to be something he isn't. The book is written as if John is right there talking to you. He recounts his past and takes full accountability -- No Excuses. He is clearly a stand up, what you see is what you get kinda guy. "My Life In and Out of the Rough...." is very easy to read -- perfect for the train or plane. I love the question and answer section - in which he asks and answers his own questions (favorite movies, hobbies and etc). If you looking for an up personal account of who John Daly is -- then read this book. If you are looking for a book that goes into detail about the PGA Tour -- look elsewhere. John Keeps It Real!!!!!!