John Daly

John Patrick Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California. He grew up in Dardanelle, Arkansas and displayed an early talent for golf. Known for his driving distance off the tee, Daly became a famous figure in golf for his 'Grip it and rip it' style of play and his charismatic personality. His upbringing in Arkansas influenced his eventual career path in professional golf.

On August 11, 1991, John Daly unexpectedly won the PGA Championship held at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. Daly, who was the ninth and final alternate, was called to play after several other golfers withdrew. Despite having never played a practice round at the course, he went on to win by three strokes, establishing himself as a rising star and capturing the hearts of golf fans with his long driving distances and fearless style of play.

John Daly won the 124th Open Championship at the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland on July 23, 1995. The tournament ended in a four-hole playoff between Daly and Italian golfer Costantino Rocca, which Daly won by four strokes. The victory marked Daly's second major championship win, reinforcing his status as a top golfer of his era and one of the longest hitters on the tour. His win was celebrated for his aggressive playing style.

In 1997, John Daly became the first PGA Tour player to average more than 300 yards per drive over a full season. Known for his exceptional ability to hit the ball long distances, Daly's milestone highlighted his notorious power and ability to influence the game with his driving prowess. This achievement was a testament to his physical skill and helped to increase his popularity and influence in the world of golf.

On February 15, 2004, John Daly won the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, achieving his first PGA Tour victory since 1995. The victory marked a significant comeback for Daly, who had faced various personal and professional challenges during the interim. This win helped re-establish Daly as a competitive player on the tour and was celebrated by fans and peers around the world as a testament to his tenacity and talent.

John Daly released his autobiography titled 'John Daly: My Life In and Out of the Rough' in 2010. In the book, Daly talks candidly about his life, both on and off the golf course, detailing his struggles with gambling, alcohol, and other personal issues alongside his successes in golf. The autobiography became quite popular for its honesty and insight into the life of a high-profile sports figure dealing with personal demons.

John Daly won the Insperity Invitational on May 7, 2017, marking his first victory on the PGA Tour Champions (also renowned as the Senior Tour). This victory was significant as it was Daly's first win since the 2004 Buick Invitational on the regular PGA Tour. The win at the Insperity Invitational highlighted Daly's enduring talent and ability to compete even as he stepped into the senior phase of his career.

On March 24, 2018, John Daly was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. This honor recognized Daly's outstanding contributions to the sport of golf and his representation of Arkansas athletes on a world stage. Daly's larger-than-life personality and remarkable achievements, including major championship wins and his distinctive style, made him a beloved figure in his home state of Arkansas as well as in the golfing community worldwide.

John Daly was granted permission to use a golf cart during the 2019 PGA Championship due to medical conditions that restricted his ability to walk long distances on the course. This decision was made under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and brought attention to the challenges faced by golfers with health issues. Daly's use of the cart was a topic of discussion regarding accessibility in professional sports.

John Daly announced that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer on February 5, 2021. This revelation was a pivotal moment in Daly's life and brought about increased advocacy on his part for health awareness and regular medical checkups. Despite his diagnosis, Daly remained active in professional golf and continued participating in tournaments, inspiring many with his resilience and positive attitude through this challenging phase.