John Daly will miss next week’s PGA Championship as he continues to recover from his 16th surgery.
The 59-year-old two-time major champion was hospitalised in January after a health scare that required emergency surgery on his left hand.
Daly has opted instead to play in the Regions Tradition, the first of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions, which is exclusively for players aged 50 and older.
The American is still not back to his best following the January incident, however, much to his frustration.
Since returning to competition in March following his most recent surgery, Daly has struggled to find form.
His 2025 results paint a concerning picture: tied 56th, tied 75th, tied 50th and 77th.
Most recently, he finished a disappointing 27-over par at the Insperity Invitational.
This performance stands in stark contrast to his winning result at the same tournament in 2017 and his runner-up finish in 2020, with the string of poor results reflects the toll his health issues have taken on his game.
Daly questioned the scheduling conflict between the PGA Championship, where he holds a lifetime exemption, and the Regions Tradition.
John Daly has struggled since returning
PA Images
“Why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship where I can see Brooks [Koepka] and all the guys?” he said.
Despite the financial implications, Daly has chosen the senior tour event.
“I can go [to the PGA Championship] and miss the cut and get $6,000, but I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions,” he explained.
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His decision prioritises the Champions Tour event over the major championship.
Daly is not the only high-profile golfer who will be absent from Quail Hollow next week.
Tiger Woods will also miss the PGA Championship.
Woods is currently recovering from surgery on his left achilles tendon.
The absence of both former champions represents a blow to the tournament.
