John Daly Misses PGA Championship for Health Reasons, Faces Major Challenges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — John Daly, a two-time major champion, will not compete in next week’s PGA Championship as he continues to recover from his 16th surgery, an emergency operation on his left hand.

The 59-year-old golfer faced a series of health challenges, including a bladder cancer diagnosis in 2020. Despite these struggles, Daly remains determined to return to the PGA Tour Champions, opting to play in the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama, instead of the PGA Championship.

Daly expressed his frustration over the scheduling conflict of the two events. “Why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks [Koepka] and all the guys?” he questioned. Although he acknowledged the potential financial gain from the PGA Championship, he is committed to playing in Birmingham.

His last performance at the Insperity Invitational was disappointing, finishing at 27-over par. This result contrasts sharply with his past successes at the tournament, where he won in 2017 and was the runner-up in 2020. “Waking up is a win for me,” Daly remarked, highlighting the severity of his health battles.

Other former champions, including Rich Beem, who famously beat Tiger Woods in 2002, are also absent from the PGA Championship. Beem has opted to focus on his role with Sky Sports after struggling last year.

Daly’s recent performances reveal a concerning pattern, with results this year including tied 56th, tied 75th, tied 50th, and 77th. He knows he is not at his physical best, especially after the surgery in January.

As he prepares for the Regions Tradition, Daly looks forward to competing and remaining active in the sport he loves. His resilience continues to inspire fans and fellow golfers alike.