AUGUSTA, Georgia — When rain closed Augusta National to fans on Monday, golf enthusiasts found another iconic spot to celebrate the sport`s history.
Just a mile from the famous Magnolia Lane, fans of all ages and backgrounds gathered in the rain. As the saying goes, they came searching for a piece of America.
It`s Masters week in Augusta, but leaving the interstate and heading towards Augusta National, you`re met with a different kind of tradition.
A sign outside Hooters reads, “COME SEE JOHN DALY TODAY.” Since 1997, the legendary golfer has set up shop here all week. Fans come to meet the larger-than-life personality, buy his merchandise, and take photos with him, often with a cigarette in hand.
“John Daly is my hero,” says Bret Bowen, a local resident. “He`s the greatest, most entertaining golfer ever.”
Daly, who hasn`t played in the Masters since 2006, returns every year, offering a striking contrast to the prestigious Augusta National. Inside the golf club, phones, cameras, and cigarettes are forbidden. But at Hooters, fans can get close to Daly, an relatable icon who can be himself.
“Eat good food, smoke, sell some stuff,” Daly summarizes.
And he sells a lot. Last year, his team says he sold about $780,000 worth of goods at Hooters. This year might be even bigger due to Monday`s rain. Hats with Daly`s face or slogans like “Grip it and Rip it” sell for $40. Boxes of his “Short Game” cigars, described as having “cinnamon earth and elegant floral notes,” go for $250 and were sold out by Wednesday morning.
He`s the king of this alternative Augusta experience. Rental data shows that during Masters week, daily rental prices in town are significantly higher compared to the rest of the year. While many Masters attendees arrive in private jets, Daly`s fans are just as dedicated and often bring gifts. Behind his merchandise tables, there was a box of Vidalia onions, an annual gift from a fan named Dale. Another fan from Wisconsin brought cheese.
“My Wisconsin guy always brings cheese,” Daly says. “I love cheese and onions. Vidalia onions are the best.”
Larry Stelow, another Wisconsin resident and retired pet portrait painter, gifted Daly a painting of him with a dog.
“That is badass,” Daly exclaimed, taking a photo with Stelow.
“All I wanted was a picture with John and the painting,” Stelow said. “It was special.”
Daly sells signed golf balls for $10, shirts, and replica pin flags from his 1991 PGA Championship win for $100. He signs everything purchased and takes photos with fans.
He even made Bret Bowen`s day.
“John Daly gave me a cigarette!” Bowen exclaimed.
Daly`s legend began at the 1991 PGA Championship when he won as the ninth alternate, having never seen the course before.
Everyday golfers loved his “grip it and rip it” style. He was the first to average over 300 yards off the tee in 1997 and led the PGA Tour in driving distance 11 times between 1991 and 2002. He also won the 1995 Open Championship. He was a refreshing change for golf.
Off the course, Daly was more relatable than traditional golf stars. He was known for his mullet, cigarettes, beer, love for Hooters, and not taking himself too seriously. His golf fashion was also unconventional.
Rebecca Gaines, a fan from Athens, Georgia, has been coming to see Daly for five years, admiring his unique style, often featuring neon, skulls, American flags, and paint splatters.
Legendary golf writer Dan Jenkins once joked about Daly`s pants looking like a Motel 6 shower curtain.
But Gaines disagrees. “I love him because of his clothes,” she says. “That`s why I became a fan.”
Daly`s caddie, Lance Odom, who previously caddied for David Duval, says he`s amazed by the attention Daly gets, unlike any other golfer.
“People are as excited to see him as they would be at Disney,” Odom says. “Everyone has a story. It`s like being with Michael Jordan; you can`t go anywhere without being recognized.”
Scott Grennell, a fan on his lunch break, said, “Growing up, my heroes were Pete Rose and John Daly, and I met one today.”
Ed Burns, a fan from England living in Toronto, admires Daly`s down-to-earth appeal in a traditionally formal sport. “He changed the game, an ordinary guy like that,” Burns said. “He won the Open. He has my respect.”
Jason Gamble and his golf group stopped by to see Daly before heading to the Masters. “He`s like the best guy in your golf group,” Gamble said. “He makes the game look easy, and he`s just a regular guy. He`s who you want in your foursome.”
For them, Daly is an icon. “John resonates with us. We`re `Drunk By the Turn` golf group. John is our mascot. He represents freedom, smoking, drinking, and playing golf.”
Pam Duvall, a fan who traveled to Augusta hoping for Masters passes that fell through, found a silver lining. “We came to Hooters, and meeting John Daly made it worth it,” Duvall said. “My kids wanted Masters merchandise, but signed Daly stuff is even better.”
Daly has faced health challenges, including bladder cancer in 2020 and numerous surgeries. “I have more metal than the Bionic Man,” he jokes. “But I keep coming back.”
Daly plans to continue his Hooters tradition as long as he`s welcome. It`s a beneficial partnership for both sides. Daly`s son, John Daly II, a college golfer, recently won his first tournament, making his father proud.
“Little John” also has a deal with Hooters but will focus on golf, not merchandise sales, according to Daly.
Daly`s Augusta experience has evolved. He used to stay in an RV, with fans visiting at all hours, including Michael Phelps once. The parking lot tent party is gone now that Augusta National owns the property. But Daly is happy with his patio setup where fans can enjoy themselves.
“I may not make the Hall of Fame, but I`ll always have the fans,” Daly says. “We connect. Blue-collar people understand each other.”
Alexis Davis, a Hooters waitress, enjoys Masters week because of the diverse fans Daly attracts. “Golf fans bring a different energy. They`re excited for the Masters or sharing their stories from it.”
She believes Daly bridges the gap between golf`s serious and fun sides. Even celebrities like Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Damon, and Joey Fatone have visited Daly at Hooters during Masters week.
“You can have both,” she says. “Golf, proper attire, but also letting loose and having fun.”
Another fan, Karson Angell, sums it up: “If you`re at the Masters and not coming to Hooters after, where are you really at?”
