John Daly’s Unexpected Exit Shocks Fans Again
Just days after pulling out of the 2025 PGA Championship, John Daly surprised fans yet again by withdrawing from another major event—the 2025 Regions Tradition on the PGA Tour Champions. Instead of teeing up at Quail Hollow, Daly had opted to compete in the senior tour’s prestigious event at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Alabama, possibly due to the friendlier competition among players aged 50 and above. However, even that plan didn’t last long.
At first, his switch to the senior event seemed strategic. With Quail Hollow’s challenging layout and Daly’s recent struggles, playing in the Regions Tradition offered a better chance of success. The 59-year-old has been battling fitness issues and hasn’t had much luck even on the senior circuit. So, competing with the world’s top golfers might have been too daunting.
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Still, fans were caught off guard when Daly suddenly exited the tournament. He had already arrived at the course and was seen entertaining the crowd with live music just a day before the opening round. His presence and energy suggested he was ready to go. A video from the Regions Tradition’s official Instagram captured this fan interaction.
Daly even started his first round, completing seven holes before withdrawing. He began strong with back-to-back birdies but then slipped with two double bogeys—on the third and seventh holes—putting him 2-over-par. It’s unclear whether his decision to leave was due to physical strain or the same sentiment he previously voiced about major events: “I can go [to the PGA Championship] and miss the cut and get $6,000.”
This isn’t the first time Daly has exited a tournament mid-way. His recent track record includes several withdrawals, raising questions about his long-term competitiveness. In fact, Daly’s participation in PGA Tour Champions events has been limited this year—only four appearances out of nine tournaments prior to the Regions Tradition.
His struggle stems partly from recovery after hand surgery in January 2025, which sidelined him for the season’s first quarter. He only resumed competition in late March with the Hoag Classic, followed by a stretch of three straight appearances. However, he skipped the Mitsubishi Electric Classic in April and then returned again for the Insperity Invitational.
It’s possible the packed schedule caught up with him. Whether it was precaution or fatigue, Daly’s exit at the Regions Tradition has left fans wondering if this is a sign of the end—or just another chapter in his unpredictable journey.