John Daly, the beloved golfer known for his colorful personality and unique style, has once again set up shop at Hooters in Augusta, Georgia, during the Masters Tournament. Each year, he draws thousands of adoring fans looking to shake his hand, snap a selfie, and buy some exclusive swag. Of all the celebrities who appear at Hooters, Daly remains unique by not charging an appearance fee. Instead, he reaps the benefits of a lucrative tax partnership with the restaurant’s owners.
Daly plans to focus on his golf career while maintaining the strong connection he has cultivated with his fans over the years. His annual visits to the Hooters chain would set off an uproar. Fans come from as far away as North Carolina and Mississippi just to see a glimpse of the legendary golfer. Daly’s true admirers frequently arrive him gifts, a transparent signal of the great relationship he has along with his constituency.
At Hooters, Daly hawks signed golf balls for only $10 bucks a pop. You can still snag photos, shirts, and replica pin flags, each for $100. These items are unique touches that help transport fans out of the championship and back home, posterior to their own interaction with the golfing legend. The vibe at Hooters when we do these events is electric. As fans thrill for their chance to interact with Daly, there’s a palpable, carnival-like excitement in the air.
Though inspiring at every turn, Daly’s personal journey has not come without obstacles, including 16 surgeries in the last eight years. He’s undergone surgery on both feet, knees, a shoulder, an elbow and a wrist. In September of 2020, Nick was diagnosed with bladder cancer—bladder removal was just one of his many surgeries to follow, as part of his cancer-fighting regimen. Despite these struggles, Daly remains a fan favorite, especially at the Masters, an event he has not played in since 2006.
Known for his vibrant sense of style—often featuring neon colors, skulls, and American flags—Daly continues to resonate with fans who appreciate his everyman persona. To step in the Hooters with him is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for many of his fans.
“The people come here and it’s like the first time to Disney with him,” said Lance Odom, expressing the joy that fans experience during their encounters with Daly.
Daly’s charisma, everyman appeal, and nonconformist attitude continue to make him an icon beloved in the golf community. Many fans have likened meeting him to an encounter with sports legends like Michael Jordan. “It’s like being with Michael Jordan. You can’t go to the gas station without people coming up,” Odom added.
When he’s not having fun with his fans, Daly seems to have a particular fondness for over-the-top sweets his fans have sent to him. He humorously noted, “My Wisconsin guy always brings the cheese,” showcasing his fondness for local delicacies. He was able to communicate his enthusiasm for cuisine and a relaxed way of life. He added, “Eat some good food, smoke a little bit, sell some products!
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