Slumping Daly Still Favorite Among Golf Fans

August 6, 2008 3:53 p.m. EST

Bloomsfield Township, MI (AHN) - John Daly's game is declining but his fan base continuously grows.

Daly, 42, who last won a Major at the 1995 British Open, is still popular among golf fans despite the things he has done off the course.

His erratic behavior, failed relationships, indifferent practice regimens and his personal excess which include chain-smoking and beer guzzling seemed to have endeared him to those who come to watch him play.

Instead of criticizing Daly, fans often times identify themselves with the player and the things he is going through.

Recently, Daly hugged the headlines after his swing coach Butch Harmon fired him following an alleged drinking incident during a rain-delay at the PODS Championship in March.

Daly has not won since capturing the title at the 2004 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines.

He also has the distinction of being the only two-time major champion that has never been named to the Ryder Cup team despite players lobbying for his inclusion.

Daly is currently at Oakland Hills for some practice round for the season's final major, the PGA Championship.

The course has changed since Daly last played in 1996 and he is hoping that his success with the game will change too.