Reality Show Follows ‘Unreal’ Life Of Everyman Golfer John Daly The Daly Planet Reveals Most Loved and Most Notorious Golfer on Tour

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2005) – Probably one of professional sports’ most unlikely heroes, John Daly has made his living under the microscope of media scrutiny, battling more than his share of demons throughout his PGA TOUR career.  Beginning Jan. 18, the man dubbed by many as a “walking country music song” will give The Golf Channel viewers a rare glimpse inside his pedal-to-the-floor life – live and unscripted – in The Daly Planet, the cable network's newest reality show. 

The highly anticipated reality series that follows the PGA TOUR star across the globe will debut as part of Top Shelf Wednesdays, The Golf Channel’s themed night of top-caliber programming.  New episodes will air Wednesday nights (excluding the week of The Masters) through April 19.

The 39-year-old Arkansas boy has made headlines throughout his PGA TOUR career, for his feats on – and his notorious behavior off – the golf course.  His on-course accomplishments, including winning two major championships (becoming the fourth American since World War II to win two major championships before his 30th birthday), being named 1991 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year and consistently being ranked among the PGA TOUR leaders in driving distance and winning 11 driving distance crowns, are more impressive considering the turmoil in his personal life, which has included bouts with alcohol abuse, three failed marriages and gambling. 

His off-course missteps, combined with his everyman charm and generous charity work, have established Daly as a perennial fan favorite on the PGA TOUR, as evidenced by the huge galleries that follow him at tournaments.  Daly works closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Make-A-Wish foundation, and even established a college fund for the children of a fan killed by a lighting strike during the first round of Daly’s 1991 PGA Championship victory at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana. 

The 13-part The Daly Planet follows the PGA TOUR star and aspiring musician through his whirlwind life, giving viewers a look at John Daly “unplugged.”  The series is an eclectic mix of the long-hitting PGA TOUR star’s various adventures, including a variety of promotional stops, golf tournament events and competitions, charity work and more.  Daly also will welcome some of his well-known friends to join him on The Daly Planet, such as National Football League quarterback Brett Favre, PGA Tour star Vijay Singh, and Hootie & the Blowfish singer Darius Rucker, among others. 

Highlights from the series include two episodes from his trip across the Atlantic, as Daly and company head to Europe for a whirlwind tour that includes a practice round with Vijay Singh at St. Andrews, as well as playing in a German pro-am with heavyweight boxing contender Vladimir Klitschko.  Daly even has time to squeeze in a visit to a local pub before heading to check on one of his co-designed golf courses in Cork, Germany. 

When Daly returns stateside, he’ll finally meet face-to-face with the family of a fan who died in a tragic lightning strike during Daly’s 1991 PGA Championship victory, which prompted Daly to establish a $30,000 college fund for the man’s children. 
A trip to Memphis, Tenn., shows Daly during a nine-hole practice round at TPC Southwind, discussing strategy with his caddy.  Off the course, it’s party time, as Daly tosses a pair of celebrations: first, a bash for the tournament volunteers, followed by a birthday party for his sons; and finally a visit to JD’s Bar, as the part-owner takes a pre-Grand Opening walk-through. 

Daly spends a busy day in Niagara Falls, as he tours his latest co-designed golf course, rides in a parade, survives a harrowing helicopter ride, and tries to tame the mighty falls by attempting to drive a ball across the more than 340-yard span.
The series debut of The Daly Planet airs Wednesday, Jan. 18, during Top Shelf Wednesdays, and continues Wednesdays through April 19.