John Daly has always stood out in a sport known for discipline and routine — not just for his game, but for how he lived it.

While most pro golfers follow strict diets, fitness plans, and recovery schedules, Daly built a reputation for the opposite. He was often seen on the course smoking cigarettes and drinking Diet Coke mid-round, turning habits that would derail most athletes into part of his identity.

At different points in his career, reports suggested heavy daily consumption of cigarettes, soda, and alcohol — even while actively competing on tour. Yet despite that lifestyle, Daly still won major championships, including the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, proving talent alone can sometimes defy expectations.

His career became less about fitting the mold and more about breaking it. In a sport built on precision and control, Daly represented something unpredictable — a reminder that not every path to success looks the same.