The 2025 PGA Championship will be missing one of its most colorful characters next week at Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
John Daly, who first burst onto the PGA Tour scene when he came out of nowhere as an alternate to win the 1991 PGA Championship, won’t be in the field at the sport’s second major. He will instead play in a PGA Tour Champions event.
Daly, 59, plans to be at the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama, which is the first of five majors on the senior tour. He has a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship as a past champion of the Wannamaker Trophy. He cited the scheduling conflict for the decision.
‘I can go there (PGA Championship) and miss the cut and get $6,000,’ Daly told the Associated Press. ‘But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor. But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks (Koepka) and all the guys?’
Since Daly’s memorable PGA Championship win at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana 34 years ago, he has just one top-20 finish in this event. He hasn’t made the cut since 2012 and withdrew from last year’s PGA Championship.
Daly has struggled in four Champions Tour starts this season while returning from hand surgery, but remains undeterred and a popular figure when he’s on the course thanks to his unorthodox rise, eclectic outfits and everyman appeal. He has continued playing despite injury issues in recent years, and previously had to overcome alcohol and gambling problems that nearly took down his career.
Daly said he plans to miss next year’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in the Philadelphia area, but wants to return in 2027 when the tournament is held at PGA Frisco in Texas.
‘I’m like Lazarus – I keep coming back from the dead,’ Daly said. ‘Waking up is a win for me.’