This golfer always in the rough

As soon as the doors opened at 9 a.m. on Saturday, fans began claiming their seats near the main stage of the 25th Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont.

As the clock struck 11 a.m. a mass of cheering could be heard in the distance and grew louder as the show's guest of honor approached.

PGA Pro and fan favorite John Daly arrived in grand fashion, with bagpipes and a drum line marching him in all while receiving countless high-fives from his indoor gallery.

Quite possibly the only professional golfer who can make people act like they are seeing professional wrestling, Daly brought his humor and knowledge to Chicago.

Since joining the PGA Tour in 1987, Daly has been an important part of the popularity that the game has today. In those 21 years Daly has collected 18 total wins, five on the PGA Tour, most notably his two majors; the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 British Open.

Since the early 1990s though, Daly has only collected one tour victory, at the 2004 Buick Invitational. In 2007, he made nine tournament cuts out of 24 and was 170th in FedEx Cup points.

While it appears as though John Daly's prime in the game of golf has passed, droves of devoted fans continue to stand by him. As one man shouted on Saturday, "You're one of us, John!"

Widely known for his outrageous swing and driving distance, Daly has never been shy about his troubles off of the course. He has fought alcoholism, several divorces, and on-course blow-ups in the public eye. Still, weekend golfers feel they can understand Daly better than a touring pro who always has his shoes shined and collar buttoned.

"The fans and I can relate to each other," Daly said. "I like to shop at Kmart and Wal-Mart just like anybody else."

Daly's time on stage seemed like more of a friendly chat than a swing clinic. He spoke of learning how to play golf on a baseball field, the fines he has received, and a possible way to beat Tiger Woods.

"Maybe just get Tiger really drunk? That's the only way I could see someone beating him," Daly said.

Don't be mistaken, though. Beneath Daly's loose approach to the game lies a hunger to continue winning. He has been working with renowned instructor Butch Harmon since injuring his ribs and back at last season's Honda Classic. Daly admits that his new swing has taken about 25 yards off his drives but still believes he has the ability to win a major.

Winning on tour or not, "The People's Golfer" will always entertain his fans.

"Golf is the greatest game ever. Give me a Diet Coke and a smoke and I'll always be ready to play." Daly said.