Daly sporting orange a couple of different ways.
I’m a John Daly fan. Always have been. Always will be.
Here’s why: He’s real. And he needs some fixin’.
Tiger, on the other hand, is not real. Tiger is as close to perfect as you can get. Perfect leaves little room for improvement.
John’s story has been the antithesis of Tiger’s, wouldn’t you agree?
Loving parents, including a strict and visionary father, raised Tiger. He went to all the right schools, camps, etc. And he’s won just about every tournament he’s played in since age 9.
John, on the other hand, had a rough childhood. He was a wild and rowdy, out of control young man. And then a wild and rowdy, out of control grown man. And John did not come from anything more than meager beginnings. John has wrestled with demons most of us will only read about. And continues to do so.
About the only thing these two have in common are their college colors and the fact that they both smack the shit out of golf balls.
Here’s why I bring this up: I’d rather have a John Daly brand to work on than a Tiger Woods brand.
The John Daly brand isn’t afraid to admit it was irresponsible, passed-out in front of Hooters and needs to make amends. It needs to make some serious changes in its behavior and lifestyle. Because, like it or not – there are still a multitude of people out there who believe in this brand. And even more on the sidelines just waiting for it to get its act together, wanting to buy in.
Obviously, the Tiger brand needs no help. Which is why it is inextricably linked to other great brands. Namely one with a swoosh.
The thing that really makes the John Daly brand unique though, is its believability. You really believe it can change. You find yourself actually pulling for it. And when it stumbles, you let out yet another sigh and think, “Come on, John. You’re better than that.”
Now, imagine if GM were capable of that type of thinking. Imagine the change that might come about for its brand image.
GM reminds me a lot of John Daly.
Except not as ready as John to make real change.
While at FCB, we tried to get GM to admit they passed out, but they were still in denial.
