While there was no shortage of quality play during yesterday's opening days at the PGA Championship, one of the most entertaining rounds actually came from a player towards the bottom of the leaderboard.
Despite the fact that he has not genuinely competed at the top level of the sport for the best part of three decades, John Daly remains one of the most popular players in the world of professional golf.
It is easy to see why.
It's fair to say that Daly does not conform to your normal expectations of a professional golfer. His antics both on and off the course have become the stuff of legends at this stage, with his personality on show at Valhalla once again this year.
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John Daly wowing golf fans with exploits at PGA Championship
John Daly is a regular at the PGA Championship, with his victory in the tournament back in 1991 booking him a spot in the event each season.
He is certainly no longer at his playing peak, but he still provides plenty of entertainment for the punters. He would card an +11 round of 82, putting his in second last position on the leaderboard.
However, it wasn't his level of play that won the attentions of the fans.
Before yesterday's first round, Daly was already catching the eye with his smoking habit on the practice range.
John Daly practicing for the PGA Championship with a heater hanging from his mouth. Legend. pic.twitter.com/0bF7AcZvR7
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) May 14, 2024
The smoking continued during the opening round of the tournament.
Daly would also add a golf cart to his repertoire.
John Daly wheeling up to the green at a major with a cig in one hand, his putter in the other and a McDonald's cup in the cart. The American Dream distilled to a screenshot. pic.twitter.com/uDYiasDlkL
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) May 16, 2019
John Daly has been given special dispensation to use a cart at the PGA Championship due to his arthritis, something that would prevent him from walking the course for more than six holes.
However, rules forbid his caddie or clubs from also riding in the cart.
one of the strangest rules at the PGA Championship is that while John Daly can ride in a golf cart his golf clubs cannot pic.twitter.com/4HvW7h8CJF
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) May 16, 2024
It's clear that the fans at Valhalla are enjoying watching spin around the course.
THE LEGEND JOHN DALY @ShannonTheDude pic.twitter.com/zdoCya2WZD
— Archive Joe (@Archive__Joe) May 16, 2024
As for Daly's actual play, that was a bit less eye-catching.
The 58-year old would card nine bogeys and a double-bogey on his way to shooting an 82, the second worst score of the day.
like i said... the thick hay is not in play for any serious golfer...
only guys like dustin johnson or john daly can hit a golf shot 150 yards off line pic.twitter.com/F0msCzAiun— Matt Gannon (@matt_gannon_) May 16, 2024
Despite his lack of form, John Daly still made the most of his time on the course.
One official would suggest that he made his way through two packs of cigarettes, four snicker bars, two bottles of coke over the course of the round.
I overheard the volunteer with John Daly’s group say that he went through two packs of cigarettes, four Snickers bars and two Cokes today at Valhalla. Had to share.
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) May 16, 2024
Incredible scenes.
Unfortunately, it would be revealed earlier today that he would be forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a thumb injury.
John Daly has withdrawn from the 2024 PGA Championship due to a thumb injury. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DKp04cgzqU
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 17, 2024
We were all robbed of another potentially iconic round.
You might see better players than John Daly at the PGA Championship this year, but there won't be many that are more entertaining.
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