The Unlikely Rise of John Daly: John Daly Documentary
Golf, a game beloved by over 66 million people around the globe, has always had its own set of traditions. Most who play the sport are recreational players, ranging from casual enthusiasts to die-hard fans. The game is filled with a variety of personalities, swings, and playing styles, which, in many ways, reflect the diversity of its participants. However, in the realm of professional golf, it’s a different story.
While we’ve seen colorful and unique players like Walter Hagen, Seve Ballesteros, Lee Trevino, and Moe Norman, their personalities stood out because they were, quite simply, different. They weren’t the norm. Professional golf, traditionally, has been a game of discipline, etiquette, and reserve. It’s a sport that has long been associated with gentlemanly conduct—fit in, keep your head down, play the course, and refrain from speaking your mind.
That all began to change in 1991 when a man named John Daly made his first appearance on the PGA Tour. From the moment he stepped onto the scene, it was clear he was nothing like the other players. Known for his wild swing, unapologetic personality, and, of course, his iconic mullet, Daly made an immediate impact—both on and off the course.
His journey to prominence, however, wasn’t just about the unique style of play or his larger-than-life persona. It was about how he broke the mold of what it meant to be a professional golfer. His story is nothing short of legendary, a true underdog tale, and that’s exactly what made him a hero to millions. However, it also made him a target for the golf elites.
A Roller Coaster Career
John Daly’s career has been one of extreme highs and incredible lows. While he became a hero to fans, he also faced constant battles, both on and off the course. He was repeatedly fined, suspended, and struggled with personal issues including addictions, multiple divorces, and other controversies. But despite all the turmoil, Daly managed to carve out a successful career that included some unforgettable moments.
In fact, one of the most iconic moments in golf history came in 1991, during a tournament that Daly was never even supposed to be part of—the PGA Championship. At the start of the year, few people had even heard of John Daly, let alone expected him to make a significant impact on the sport. But by the end of that summer, Daly would find himself at the top of the golf world, winning his first major championship in one of the most improbable stories in sports.
The Road to the PGA Championship
To understand the gravity of Daly’s 1991 PGA Championship win, we need to look at his journey to the tournament. By August 1991, Daly was far from a household name. In fact, he had barely managed to qualify for the tournament. He was on the alternate list, so far down that he didn’t even think he had a chance to play. He was set to miss out on the event, but fate had other plans.
As the tournament drew near, a series of unexpected withdrawals from other players opened up space in the field. Daly, who had been in Memphis at the time, received a call just before 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, telling him that he was in. Without hesitation, Daly hopped in his car and drove the nearly 500 miles to Indianapolis, determined to seize the opportunity, even if he didn’t have time to practice or prepare for the course.
On his first day at Crooked Stick Golf Club, Daly played with a confidence that would soon captivate the golf world. With no practice round, no expectations, and no pressure, he teed off with nothing to lose. By the end of the first round, Daly had shot a remarkable 69, just two shots behind the leaders.
Friday proved to be even better. Daly shot a 67, taking the lead by one shot. As the media coverage exploded, Daly, who had been an unknown just days earlier, was now at the center of the golf universe. He was embraced by fans who were hungry for a new story—someone who wasn’t bound by the sport’s traditional rules. By Saturday, Daly had extended his lead, shooting a 69 for a three-shot advantage heading into the final round.
The Final Round: A Cinderella Story
The final round of the 1991 PGA Championship was nothing short of dramatic. Daly, who had already earned the nickname “Long John” due to his aggressive, long-hitting style, was on the verge of becoming an overnight sensation. But, as many players know, the final round of a major is where nerves can take over, and many a promising story has ended in heartbreak. Would Daly, a relative unknown, be able to handle the pressure?
Daly didn’t just handle it—he thrived. Despite an early bogey on the first hole, Daly bounced back with birdies, including a memorable birdie on the par-5 5th hole. By the time he reached the 18th hole, with a three-shot lead, he knew that history was within his grasp. Despite a double-bogey on the 17th hole, Daly remained calm and composed. He played the final hole with the confidence of a seasoned champion, and when he drained his final putt, Daly had won the 1991 PGA Championship by three strokes.
What made this victory so extraordinary wasn’t just Daly’s impressive play, but the circumstances surrounding it. He had qualified for the tournament at the very last moment. He didn’t have a caddie and had to rely on a friend’s caddie for the week. He hadn’t played the course before and had no practice rounds. Yet, against all odds, Daly emerged victorious.
This win wasn’t just his first major championship—it was one of the most improbable triumphs in the history of golf. It marked the beginning of a legendary career, and Daly’s persona quickly transformed him into a fan favorite. His grit, raw talent, and unapologetic style made him a golf icon.
The Sponsorship Boom and Early Struggles of 1992
At the beginning of 1992, Daly found himself at the peak of his commercial potential. He signed a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with Wilson worth a reported $10 million, plus performance bonuses. On top of that, he also inked a three-year, $400,000 contract with Reebok. The world was watching this rising star, but the season itself didn’t quite live up to the expectations that had been set for him.
The year kicked off with a rough patch. Daly’s first notable misstep came at the Australian Masters in February, where he was disqualified for failing to sign his scorecard after shooting a second-round 81. This would be just the first of many fines and controversies to come.
While Daly had some solid performances during the year, including a tie for 19th at the Masters and a respectable showing at the Open Championship, his game lacked the consistency that was expected after his stunning win in 1991. His struggles on the course were compounded by off-course distractions, including his personal issues, which would soon spiral out of control.
The BC Open Win: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges, Daly proved he wasn’t a one-hit-wonder. In the summer of 1992, he won the BC Open with an impressive 18-under-par score, sealing the victory with a six-stroke margin. It was a statement win, showing that Daly was still one of the most dangerous players on tour when his game was firing on all cylinders.
However, this victory didn’t erase the personal issues that were beginning to cloud Daly’s life. The infamy of the Colorado incident would soon dominate the headlines.
The Colorado Incident: A Dark Turn
In December 1992, Daly purchased a house in Castle Pines, Colorado, a move he later admitted was somewhat impractical for a golfer due to the harsh winters. The purchase was a fresh start for Daly and his family, but the marriage to his wife, Bettye, was in turmoil. The two were experiencing severe marital problems, and Daly, feeling the weight of it all, left for Arkansas. Bettye convinced him to return to Colorado for Christmas, hoping to reconcile.
But what was meant to be a peaceful holiday gathering soon descended into chaos. At a party at their home on December 19, Bettye became enraged after seeing Daly dance with one of his female friends. The situation escalated when Bettye stormed upstairs, and Daly, in a fit of rage, began destroying parts of the house—kicking in a large TV, smashing a trophy case, and wrecking his office.
As Bettye came back downstairs to confront him, Daly, realizing the gravity of the situation, stormed out, leaving with his brother. A call to the police followed, and although Bettye later clarified that she did not wish to press charges, Daly was arrested for harassment. He eventually pled guilty to avoid a lengthy legal battle, receiving two years of probation.
Rehab and the PGA Tour’s Reaction
The controversy surrounding the Colorado incident was just one chapter in a year filled with missteps. Daly’s personal life was spiraling, and his golf game was not much better. PGA Commissioner Deane Beman pressured Daly to leave the tour and seek professional help, which he did.
Daly checked into a rehab center, Sierra Tucson, in January 1993, where he would stay for three weeks. His time there was transformative, as Daly battled with his demons and contemplated suicide before ultimately deciding to turn his life around.
Despite his efforts, Daly’s game continued to struggle in 1993, and he missed three cuts in a row at the Phoenix Open, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Buick Invitational. However, there was a silver lining—Daly’s tie for third at the Masters, which was the best finish of his career at Augusta.
The 1995 Open Championship: Redemption
After a tumultuous few years, 1995 would be a turning point for John Daly. While his personal life remained in turmoil, Daly found solace in the game. The 1995 Open Championship, held at the iconic St. Andrews, became the stage for his most significant career achievement since his 1991 PGA Championship win.
Daly entered the tournament with the odds stacked against him—he had struggled in recent years and was facing mounting personal and financial pressures, including a staggering $4 million in gambling debts. But the Old Course at St. Andrews felt like home to Daly. He had played there before and had always felt a connection to the historic course. His confidence was high, and he was determined to prove the doubters wrong.
In the first round, Daly shot a 67, his best round of competitive golf, and by Friday, he was tied for the lead with Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw. Despite a slip on Saturday, Daly stayed in contention heading into the final day.
Sunday at St. Andrews was a test of character. Daly remained calm under pressure, making crucial putts and holding off challengers, including the surprising Michael Campbell. As the tournament neared its conclusion, Daly found himself in a playoff against Costantino Rocca. With a combination of solid play and a bit of luck, Daly clinched his second major championship, winning the 1995 Open Championship by five shots in the playoff.
A New Beginning
Daly’s victory at St. Andrews was a moment of redemption, but it didn’t fix everything in his life. His personal struggles continued, including a second divorce, battles with alcohol, and ongoing gambling issues. By 1998, Daly had regained some form, with two top-10 finishes and a major sponsorship deal with Callaway, who paid off his gambling debts and set strict conditions for his behavior—no alcohol, no gambling.
Daly showed glimpses of his old self, but the demons of the past were never too far behind. By 1999, Daly was once again struggling with alcohol, and his sponsors dropped him. He would go on to win the JC Penney Classic in 1999, but his personal issues were always lurking.
The Final Years: A Legacy of JD
Daly’s career continued to be a roller coaster of highs and lows. He won his last PGA Tour event in 2004, and while his time at the top of the game may have been brief, his influence on golf remains undeniable. He was the first to break the 300-yard driving distance barrier, and his charisma and unapologetic attitude earned him a loyal following among fans.
John Daly’s story is one of redemption, failure, and perseverance. Through the ups and downs, he has remained true to himself—a talented, flawed, but enduring figure in the world of golf. His legacy may not be defined by a long list of victories, but by the raw honesty with which he approached both his career and his life.
