Sixteen surgeries. A battle with bladder cancer. And several other setbacks along the way. Two-time major winner John Daly has faced more health crises than most athletes could endure, yet he refuses to back down.
His latest challenge may not be as severe as his past struggles, but it has still impacted his game. In January, Daly underwent emergency hand surgery, and the lingering effects continue to trouble him.
His biggest hurdle? Getting the ball through on three-quarter shots and making putts—a frustrating limitation for a golfer of his caliber.
Despite his resilience, the dark cloud of health issues have not fully lifted. Just last week, the 59-year-old finished 27-over par at the Insperity Invitational, an event he once conquered in 2017.
Yet, even with his struggles, Daly remains unwavering in his love for the game.
John Daly makes tough career choice
With his signature larger-than-life attitude, Daly summed up his perseverance in a way only he could.
“I’m like Lazarus—I keep coming back from the dead,” Daly said to the Associated Press.
“Waking up each day is a win.”
But his determination comes with difficult choices. Despite holding a lifetime exemption to play in the PGA Championship, Daly made the tough call to skip the event this year.
The reason? A scheduling conflict between the second major of the season and a Senior Tour event—the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Regions Tradition is one of the five majors on the PGA Tour Champions, and Daly wasn’t willing to miss his chance to compete. When asked about his decision, he had a clear and logical explanation:
“I can go there [PGA Championship] and miss the cut and get $6,000. But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor,” he said.
Still, the scheduling conflict frustrated Daly.
“But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks (Koepka) and all the guys?”
One possible explanation for the Regions Tradition being scheduled during the PGA Championship could be Mother’s Day on May 11th. The timing might have made it difficult for the Senior Tour authorities to secure support for the event if it were scheduled later.
Regardless of the circumstances, Daly remains committed to competing, proving once again that his fighting spirit is as strong as ever.
What do you think of his career choice? Let us know in the comment section below!
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