John Daly Withdraws from PGA Championship, Cites Scheduling Conflicts

John Daly has made the decision to skip the PGA Championship, opting out of the opportunity to compete for a second major title. His withdrawal stems from grievances regarding the scheduling of tournaments that conflict with his commitments.

Daly is currently a participant on the PGA Tour Champions, which is characterized by its competitive senior events. This week, he will compete at the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama, an event that coincides with the prestigious PGA Championship happening simultaneously at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In a statement reflecting his frustrations, Daly said, “I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000. 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?” His comment highlights the challenges that professional golfers face when events overlap.

A Major Tournament Overlap

The Regions Tradition holds the distinction of being one of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions schedule. Recent winners include Doug Barron, who claimed victory in 2024, while Steve Stricker secured the title in both 2022 and 2023. Diverse scheduling options present dilemmas, especially for golfers like Daly, who are keen to participate in significant events without clashes.

Interestingly, scheduling conflicts arise from the event calendar as well as holiday observances. The Tradition occurring on Mother’s Day makes participation challenging for both players and fans. Furthermore, moving the event earlier could place it against the popular NASCAR race at Talladega.

Daly’s Ongoing Health Struggles

Daly’s health has been a recurring theme in his career, especially as he faces ongoing challenges. Earlier this year, he underwent surgery on his left hand. Despite his commitment to compete, Daly admitted that he struggles with certain aspects of his game, particularly with three-quarter shots and putting, exacerbated by his surgery.

His performance at the recent Insperity Invitational was below par, finishing at 27-over. This result raises concerns about whether Daly can effectively find his rhythm in upcoming tournaments.

Resilience Through Adversity

Despite the setbacks, Daly’s spirit remains undeterred. Overcoming 16 surgeries and battling bladder cancer, he embodies resilience and determination. “I’m like Lazarus—I keep coming back from the dead,” he quipped. His perspective on life and golf remains positive, as he states, “Waking up is a win for me.” This mentality showcases Daly’s enduring commitment to his career despite his health obstacles.

A Glance into Daly’s Legacy

Daly remains memorable for his remarkable victory at the PGA Championship in 1991, a win celebrated by golf fans worldwide. His unique playing style and personality have left an indelible mark on the sport, making him a beloved figure even as he navigates the challenges of age and health.

As Daly competes at the Regions Tradition, he will certainly draw the attention and support of fans who admire his tenacity and passion for golf. His decision to prioritize the Regions Tradition over the PGA Championship reflects a strategic choice that highlights the importance of commitment to sponsors and local events within the sport.

Ultimately, John Daly’s story is one of endurance in a high-stakes world, where each tournament presents a fresh opportunity and an additional challenge on the road to competing at the highest levels.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.