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 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.

December 1992: Daly Charged with Assault

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. The circumstances of the incident were unclear, and Bettye did not pursue the matter. Daly has stated that he has never hit or hurt a woman.

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: 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: 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: Daly Sues Florida Times-Union for Libel

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

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.

June 8, 2007: Daly and Sherrie Miller Get into a Fight

On June 8, 2007, John Daly and Sherrie Miller had a fight at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Daly claimed Sherrie attacked him with a steak knife later that night. He showed up for his second round with cuts and scrapes across his face. Authorities were contacted, but Sherrie had already left with their son.

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: Daly Wins 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 his motion for Hippo Golf to pay damages.

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.

December 17, 2010: Daly Awarded Custody of Son; Sherrie Jailed

On December 17, 2010, in Memphis, Circuit Court Judge Donna Fields awarded John Daly custody of his seven-year-old son with Sherrie Miller. Sherrie was jailed for interfering with Daly's court-ordered visitation rights and failing to abide by court orders in their ongoing divorce proceeding, with the judge citing "criminal contempt."