John Daly Sets Unwanted Record with 19 on a Par-5 Hole at PGA Tour Champions

What's Happening?

John Daly, a well-known figure in professional golf, set an unfortunate record at the PGA Tour Champions event held at the Sanford International in Sioux City, South Dakota. Daly recorded a score of 19 on the par-5 12th hole, marking the highest score ever on a single hole in the history of the PGA Tour Champions. This surpassed the previous record by three strokes, a record shared by three players, including Bruce Crampton in 1996. Daly's struggle on the hole began with a tee shot into the rough, followed by seven consecutive shots into a hazard. He eventually cleared the water hazard, landing in more rough, and completed the hole with his 17th shot on the collar of the green, finishing with a 19. This incident adds to Daly's history of high scores, including an 18 on a par-5 at the 1998 Bay Hill Invitational.

Why It's Important?

This record-setting performance by John Daly highlights the unpredictable nature of golf, even for seasoned professionals. Daly's experience underscores the challenges faced by golfers on the PGA Tour Champions, a circuit for players aged 50 and older. The incident may impact Daly's reputation, as it draws attention to his past struggles with consistency on the course. For the PGA Tour Champions, such occurrences can influence public perception and interest in the tour, potentially affecting viewership and sponsorships. Daly's high-profile status in the sport means that his performances, both good and bad, can have a ripple effect on the golfing community and its stakeholders.

What's Next?

Following this record-setting round, John Daly will likely face increased scrutiny in his upcoming tournaments. The PGA Tour Champions may also review course setups and conditions to ensure fair play and maintain the competitive integrity of the tour. Daly's performance could prompt discussions among golf analysts and fans about the challenges of maintaining form in the later stages of a professional golfer's career. Additionally, Daly's future participation in events may be closely watched to see if he can rebound from this setback and regain his competitive edge.