John Daly, the controversial, colorful, two-time major champion, declared that he would be skipping this year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. The championship, hosted this year on a demanding 7,262-yard par 71 layout, is scheduled to begin next Monday. Daly’s decision follows a thoughtful consideration of his play in recent tournaments and how he’s recovering from recent surgery.
Here’s Daly’s pragmatic view on the PGA Championship. He noted that regardless of whether he made the cut, he was guaranteed at least $6,000. That’s why he’s chosen to forgo this year’s tournament. Instead, he’s taking it easy while recovering and training to come back stronger than ever. Daly had a tough go at the PGA Championship last year, finishing 27-over par.
“I got my (butt) handed to me last year,” – Rich Beem
This year’s PGA Championship, held at Quail Hollow, is sure to be a daunting test for even the strongest competitors. The course’s length and aggressive dogleg layout require laser like accuracy and shot making prowess, creating a daunting stage for even the most seasoned of pros. Daly had surgery on his left hand as recently as January. He conceded he isn’t operating on all cylinders as he’s still catching up.
Even though he won’t be at this year’s PGA Championship, Daly is hopeful for a return in the future. And it’s why he announced his intent to miss the championship at Aronimink next year. Nonetheless, he is already looking forward to the next time the event comes to his home state of Texas in 2027. Daly’s hoping that the dry Texan conditions are going to suit his game in that period.
Daly wants to do more with the PGA Championship. He’s preparing to tee it up again on the Champions Tour playing in the Regions Tradition in Birmingham. He reflects on his resilience in the sport by likening himself to Lazarus, indicating that he continuously finds ways to bounce back despite setbacks.
“I’m like Lazarus – I keep coming back from the dead,” – John Daly
And nothing illustrated that more than Daly’s recent performance at the Insperity Invitational, where he finished 27-over par. He finished that tournament as the runner-up in 2020 and won the event back in 2017. This year’s outcome underscores the road ahead in his recovery, at times a very difficult path.
Daly is looking forward to the Regions Tradition. He’s now looking at gaining redemption at the next PGA Championship in 2027, further establishing his legacy as one of the most colorful stars in professional golf. His story is a testament to the obstacles all athletes must overcome while injured. It celebrates their successes as they pursue their dreams in the game of soccer.
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