John Daly proved to be one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour during the 1990s and 2000s, but it did not come without controversy for the two-time major winner
John Daly’s career has been a controversial one at times(Image: Getty Images)
The trials and tribulations surrounding John Daly’s controversial career on the PGA Tour were documented in a misdemeanour file that included a whopping 456 pages.
Daly is known as one of the most popular names in professional golf, and this was proven when featuring in the newly released Happy Gilmore 2 this week. The former Open champion has enjoyed plenty of success on the golf course in recent years, but he was never too far away from controversy.
Per the Daily Mail, a file that was released in 2010 revealed that Daly had been fined over $85,000 (£65k) by the PGA Tour, while also being given seven orders by the circuit to undergo counselling or enter alcohol rehabilitation centers.
Daly was punished 21 times for “failing to give his best efforts” and performed conduct unbecoming of a professional 11 times. When it comes to his fines, the biggest one the veteran star was handed in his career came in at $26,000 (£20k).
Violations included swearing at a playing partner, as well as trashing a hotel room while competing at the 1997 Players Championship. Elsewhere, the former Open champion was also reprimanded for improper withdrawals from events as well as missing starting times.
At the 2008 Buick Open, Daly also hit a tee shot from a beer can during the Pro-Am, which cost him dearly, after he was handed a six-month suspension from the PGA Tour. At the time, the two-time major winner described the ban as a low point in his career.
John Daly is a two-time major winner(Image: Getty Images)
“Is it fair that I got suspended? It’s not fair in reality, but it’s probably fair in perception,” he told The Associated Press at the time. “This is the lowest I’ve ever been.
“There’s always light with me. Right now, my home tour is probably Europe. And I love the European tour.
“I always have. But my home is the United States. That’s where I would rather play.”
In recent years, Daly’s behavior has slowed down somewhat, with the 59-year-old still out competing on the Champions Tour, having won once on the senior circuit back in 2017.
Daly was forced to overcome an injury setback earlier this year and has since played seven times in 2025.
His latest move, though, has seen him move into acting, with Daly one of 72 cameos in the Happy Gilmore sequel, joining the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy alongside Adam Sandler.
Sharing some behind-the-scenes photos to his 1.1 million followers on Instagram, Daly wrote: “The best kinda stories come outta chaos! Cannot thank my brother @adamsandler for including me in #happygilmore2 and sharing some of my chaos!
“Out now on @netflix.”