Challenges in the Life of John Daly (golfer) in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and John Daly (golfer) faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

John Daly is a professional golfer recognized for his prodigious driving distance and unconventional persona. He gained fame with his unexpected victory at the 1991 PGA Championship and further solidified his reputation by winning the 1995 Open Championship in a playoff. Daly's career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and inconsistencies, compounded by personal struggles that have often overshadowed his talent. Despite these challenges, he remains a popular figure in the world of golf, now competing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1989: Hospitalized for alcohol poisoning

From 1989 to 1993, John Daly was hospitalized four times for alcohol poisoning.

1990: Quit drinking whiskey

In 1990, John Daly claimed he quit drinking whiskey, opting for other alcoholic drinks because whiskey was interfering too much with his golf game.

1993: Entered alcohol rehab

In late 1993, John Daly entered alcohol rehab. After rehab, he reportedly went on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol.

1993: Suspension by the PGA Tour and Entering Alcohol Rehab

In late 1993, John Daly was suspended by the PGA Tour due to behavioral issues and entered alcohol rehab for three weeks before returning to the Tour.

July 1994: Claimed many PGA golfers were cocaine users

In July 1994, John Daly claimed that many PGA golfers were cocaine users, and said that if drug testing was done properly on tour, he would be "one of the cleanest guys out there". This statement brought an uproar among the pro golf community.

1994: Turbulent Year and BellSouth Classic Win

In 1994, John Daly experienced a turbulent year, including a suspension from the PGA Tour, entering alcohol rehab, and winning the BellSouth Classic, which he claimed was his first sober win. He was suspended by the PGA Tour from late 1993 into early 1994.

1994: Candy and burger binges

In 1994, John Daly was reportedly on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol. This was in full force when Daly won the 1994 BellSouth Classic.

1995: Continuing with Golf and Drinking Habits

After winning the 1995 Open Championship, John Daly continued with his golf game and drinking habits, leading to a win drought.

1995: Candy and burger binges

In 1995, John Daly was reportedly on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol. This was in full force when Daly won the 1995 Open Championship.

1996: Reportedly started drinking alcohol again

In 1996, John Daly reportedly started drinking alcohol again, claiming he only drank a few beers.

1997: Second time in alcohol rehabilitation center

In 1997, John Daly fell back into his excessive drinking habits and checked himself into an alcohol rehabilitation center for the second time. He also lost his sponsorships with Wilson and Reebok during this time.

1997: Struggles and Withdrawal from U.S. Open

The 1997 season was one of John Daly's worst on the PGA Tour. He withdrew from the U.S. Open after a first-round 77 due to his physical conditioning and Delirium tremens. He was also reportedly attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at this time.

1998: Suffered alcoholic shakes at Greater Vancouver Open

During the 1998 season, while John Daly was recovering from alcoholism, he suffered alcoholic shakes during the first round of the Greater Vancouver Open.

1998: Recording High Score at Bay Hill Invitational

In 1998, John Daly recorded one of the highest scores on a single hole in PGA Tour golf history, shooting an 18 on the sixth hole at the Bay Hill Invitational.

1999: Relapsed and lost sponsorship with Callaway

During the 1999 season, John Daly relapsed and started drinking again after missing the cut at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. He then lost his sponsorship with Callaway due to his relapse.

1999: Daly's Gambling Losses and Financial Struggles

In 1999, it was reported that John Daly had lost $51 million from gambling in the mid-1990s. The effects of his gambling habits led to him selling his Mercedes and his house in California. Daly faced difficulties paying alimony, child support, and other expenses due to financial strain from gambling losses and struggles in his career.

2000: 2000 Season Performance

John Daly had a horrific 2000 season on the PGA Tour, with only one top-25 finish at the Honda Classic. He also withdrew from the U.S. Open after shooting an opening round 83.

2000: Drinking on and off during the decade

Starting in 2000, John Daly reportedly drank on and off throughout the decade. However, it seemed he had a lot more control over his drinking habits and rowdy behavior during the 2000s.

October 2005: Daly Loses $1.5 Million Gambling After Tournament

In October 2005, John Daly lost $1.5 million gambling after winning half that amount at the WGC-American Express tournament. He lost most of it on a $5,000 Las Vegas slot machine at Wynn Casino.

2005: WGC-American Express Championship Playoff Loss

In 2005, at the WGC-American Express Championship, John Daly tied with Tiger Woods after regulation play. However, Daly missed a short par putt on the 2nd extra playoff hole, leading to Tiger Woods' victory. In the same year, Daly reached a playoff at the Shell Houston Open but lost to Vijay Singh on the first extra hole.

2006: Career Downturn

After 2006, John Daly's golf career began to decline, and he faced challenges in making cuts and maintaining his position on the PGA Tour.

2006: Daly Reveals Gambling Problem in Autobiography

In 2006, Daly revealed in his autobiography that he had lost between $50 and $60 million over a 15-year period due to his gambling problem.

2006: Decline in form

In 2006, John Daly's form declined, as he only made cuts in 8 of 21 events and withdrew from five events. He achieved only one Top-25 finish, a T-17 at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

March 1, 2007: Withdrawal from Honda Classic

On March 1, 2007, John Daly was invited to play in the Honda Classic on a sponsor's exemption but was forced to withdraw after two holes. He pulled a muscle near his shoulder blade trying to stop his backswing after a fan snapped a picture.

2007: Lacked exempt status on PGA Tour

In 2007, John Daly entered the PGA Tour season without full exempt status for the first time since his 1991 PGA Championship victory. He relied upon sponsor exemptions to gain entry to PGA Tour events.

2007: Injury Sustained at Honda Classic

John Daly sustained an injury at the 2007 Honda Classic.

March 2008: Butch Harmon Quit as Swing Coach

In March 2008, John Daly's swing coach, Butch Harmon, quit, stating that "the most important thing in (Daly's) life is getting drunk." Daly responded by saying, "I think his lies kind of destroyed my life for a little bit."

October 26, 2008: Taken into protective custody by Winston-Salem police

On October 26, 2008, John Daly was taken into protective custody by Winston-Salem police after being found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant. He was not arrested or charged, but the police released his mug shot, resulting in negative publicity.

2008: Competition on the European Tour after Suspension

Following his suspension in 2008, John Daly was compelled to participate in the European Tour. He underwent lap-band surgery to lose 40 pounds, which led to improved performance, including a second-place finish at the Italian Open.

July 2009: Claims to be losing confidence in his game

In late July 2009 after shooting a then personal-high 88 at the Buick Open, John Daly claimed to be losing confidence in his game. His swing coach blamed the surgery for making him lose muscle along with weight, taking power away from his swing, but Daly blamed his high golf score on poor eyesight affecting his putting.

December 8, 2009: Shed well over 100 pounds

John Daly had lap-band surgery in early 2009. As of December 8, 2009, Daly had shed well over 100 pounds and was "a slim, trim 185".

2009: Libel Suit Dismissed; Daly Ordered to Pay Legal Fees

In 2009, a judge threw out John Daly's libel case against the Florida Times-Union, stating that Daly failed to prove the statements were untrue. Daly was also ordered to pay the newspaper over $300,000 in legal fees.

March 14, 2014: Shot a career worst 90 at the Valspar Championship

On March 14, 2014, during the second round of the Valspar Championship, John Daly shot a career-worst score of 90, which included an 8-over-par 12 on the 16th hole.

August 6, 2014: Interview on The Dan Patrick Show

In an interview on The Dan Patrick Show on August 6, 2014, John Daly said that much of his past struggle with alcohol was due to growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father.

2015: Failed to regain European Tour card

At the end of 2015, John Daly attempted to regain his European Tour card in Shanghai. He finished T-46 at the BMW Masters and T-50 at the Turkish Airlines Open, failing to secure his card.

July 2019: Near-death experience due to spider bite

In July 2019, John Daly had a near-death experience after being reportedly bitten by a brown recluse spider while he was vacationing in England. He developed sepsis and required emergency surgery.

September 2020: Daly Announces Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

In September 2020, John Daly disclosed his recent diagnosis of bladder cancer. He underwent surgery, but doctors indicated an 85% chance of recurrence. Daly planned to adopt a healthier lifestyle, reducing smoking and consumption of Diet Coke, to lower the risk of the cancer returning.

February 20, 2023: Relies on sponsor invitations

As of February 20, 2023, despite having career earnings of $10,270,681, John Daly is not among the top 50 on the PGA Tour's All-Time Career Money List, and he relies on sponsor invitations (PGA Tour Exemption Category 11).