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 a professional golfer renowned for his prodigious driving distance and unconventional persona. He gained prominence with a surprise victory at the 1991 PGA Championship and later secured the 1995 Open Championship. Despite his talent, Daly's career has been marked by inconsistency and personal struggles, contributing to his unique and often controversial image in the world of golf. He currently competes on the PGA Tour Champions.

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. However, Bettye did not wish to pursue the matter.

1993: Incidents and Suspension

In late 1993 John Daly was suspended by the PGA Tour from late 1993 into early 1994 due to behavior which included walking off the course mid-round during the 1993 late-season Kapalua International, a mid-1993 incident at the Kemper Open that saw him disqualified for throwing his scorecard at the scoring tent after shooting 77, and an incident at the 1993 Southern Open where Daly walked off the course without telling his partners he was quitting.

July 1994: Claimed PGA Golfers Were Cocaine Users

In July 1994, Daly claimed that many PGA golfers were cocaine users, causing an uproar in the pro golf community.

1994: Turbulent Year and Suspension

In 1994, John Daly was suspended by the PGA Tour due to behavioral issues. He then entered alcohol rehab and won the BellSouth Classic, claiming it as his first sober win.

1995: Post Open Championship Era

After winning the 1995 Open Championship, Daly continued with his golf game and drinking habits, causing win droughts on both the European and PGA Tours.

1997: Second Stint in Alcohol Rehabilitation

In 1997, 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.

1997: Struggles and U.S. Open Withdrawal

In 1997, John Daly had a difficult season, withdrawing from the U.S. Open due to physical conditioning and Delirium tremens. He was also attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at this time.

1998: 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: Relapse and Lost Sponsorship with Callaway

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

1999: Gambling Losses and Financial Struggles

In 1999, John Daly was reported to have lost $51 million from gambling in the mid-1990s, leading to financial strain. He had to sell his Mercedes and his California house. He also stated he had trouble paying alimony, child support, and other expenses.

October 2005: Gambling Losses After WGC-American Express

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

2005: Libel Suit 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 lost between $50 and $60 million over a 15-year period due to a gambling problem.

June 8, 2007: Fight with Sherrie Miller

On June 8, 2007, John Daly and his wife Sherrie Miller got into a fight at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, the location of the Stanford St. Jude Championship. Daly claimed Sherrie attacked him with a steak knife later that night and he showed up to his second round with cuts and scrapes across his face. Sherrie fled the scene.

March 2008: Swing Coach Butch Harmon Quit

In March 2008, Daly's swing coach Butch Harmon quit, stating that "the most important thing in (Daly's) life is getting drunk."

October 26, 2008: Taken into Protective Custody in Winston-Salem

On October 26, 2008, Daly was taken into protective custody by Winston-Salem police after being found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant.

December 2008: PGA Tour Suspension

In December 2008, Daly was suspended for six months by the PGA Tour after an incident involving the Winston-Salem police.

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 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 the statements were untrue. Daly was ordered to pay the newspaper over $300,000 in legal fees.