‘I Killed It’: John Daly Once Revealed His Fondest Memory With Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus has already etched his name in the history books. As things stand, he will continue to remain the player with the highest number of Major Championships, with 18. The 82-year-old had a special segment from GOLF.com to honor his lifelong achievements. Contemporaries, emerging stars, and colleagues all came together to share their favorite memories of ‘The Golden Bear’ – one of which was from fellow American, John Daly.

What did John Daly say about his favorite Jack Nicklaus moment?

John Daly considers Jack Nicklaus as his icon and role model. He has gone on record to say he started playing the game because of Nicklaus. For the segment, Daly disclosed the greatest hole he has ever played, at the Doral Golf Resort in 1994.

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“I got paired with Jack at Doral one year,” Daly said. “It was great to play a tournament round with Jack Nicklaus. It was probably 1994.” Daly revealed how things got competitive from the word go.

“On the first tee, he hits a good drive, then I hit a really good one. I killed it. I have only an 8-iron left into the green. Jack shanks a 4-iron that goes about 20 yards into the right-hand rough,” Daly said.

However, the then 56-year-old Nicklaus didn’t give up. “Then he takes out a 6-iron and hits it to within a foot of the hole. Ends up tying me.”

Dumbfounded by the old man’s ability, John could only admire the 18-time Major winner’s ambitious approach. “Shows you how great he is – and how great he was then – to come back from a shot like that,” Daly said.

“It was one of the greatest holes that I’d ever played.”

When did Daly meet Jack Nicklaus?

Daly stormed into the world of golf with his scintillating performance at the PGA Championship in 1991. Coming in as a rookie, few believed he had a chance to make the cut, let alone win the championship.

However, going into the final day of the event, Daly had a surprise message. He revealed Jack Nicklaus had left a note in his locker which read “Go get him, John – Jack Nicklaus”. After eventually winning the tournament, he made sure the note was framed and put up in a special place in his home.

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