Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to John Daly (golfer)

Public opinion and media debates around John Daly (golfer)—discover key moments of controversy.

John Daly is an American professional golfer celebrated for his prodigious driving distance and unconventional persona. He gained fame with his unexpected 1991 PGA Championship victory and further solidified his reputation by winning the 1995 Open Championship in a playoff. Despite his talent, Daly is also known for the inconsistency of his play and his turbulent personal life. His 'zero-to-hero' story and powerful swing have made him a popular figure in the world of golf.

Sections (6)

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

December 1992: Assault Charge

In December 1992, John Daly was charged with third-degree assault for allegedly throwing his second wife, Bettye Fulford, into a wall at their home near Denver. Bettye did not pursue the matter, and Daly denied the allegations in his autobiography.

1993: Suspended by the PGA Tour

In late 1993, John Daly was suspended by the PGA Tour for behavior including walking off the course mid-round during the 1993 late-season Kapalua International, an incident at the Kemper Open where he threw his scorecard, and an incident at the Southern Open where he quit the course without telling his partners.

1997: Struggles and Withdrawal from U.S. Open

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

1998: Recorded 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. Daly finished the 1998 season with two top-10 finishes including finishing T-16 at the Player's Championship with a final round 69, his best finish in the tournament. He also withdrew from the Sprint International and the Disney Classic and was disqualified from the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

1999: Gambling Losses and Financial Struggles

In 1999, it was reported that John Daly lost $51 million from gambling in the mid-1990s. As a result, he had to sell his Mercedes and his house in California. Daly also struggled to pay alimony, child support, and other expenses.

October 2005: Gambling Losses after WGC-American Express

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

2005: Libel Lawsuit Against Florida Times-Union

In 2005, John Daly sued the Florida Times-Union for libel after a columnist claimed he "failed the scoundrel sniff test."

2006: Autobiography Reveals Gambling Problem

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.

June 8, 2007: Fight with Sherrie Miller

On June 8, 2007, John Daly and his wife, Sherrie Miller, had a fight at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Daly claimed Sherrie later attacked him with a steak knife and showed up to his second round with cuts and scrapes. Sherrie fled the scene with their son, and authorities were contacted.

2008: Lawsuit Against Hippo Golf

In 2008, John Daly sued Hippo Golf for using his name on a golf club without his permission. The judge ruled in favor of Daly, but denied the motion for Hippo Golf to pay Daly any damages.

2009: Libel Suit Dismissed

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

2010: Lawsuit Against Charity and PGA Tour

In 2010, John Daly sued a children's charity and the PGA Tour for $100 million due to an injury he sustained at the 2007 Honda Classic.

2015: Litigation Ongoing

As of 2015, the litigation related to John Daly's lawsuit against a children's charity and the PGA Tour was still ongoing.

2022: Advocacy for Cannabis Legalization

In 2022, John Daly advocated for the legalization of cannabis in Arkansas, endorsing a ballot measure that he said would create "millions in new funding for our police, ... thousands of good jobs, [and] revenue for our state".