John Daly Elevated His Notoriety to New Levels With Highly Condemmed Act, Inducing a Stern Response From the PGA Tour Commissioner in 2008

Veteran golfer, John Daly, is no stranger to controversy. Nicknamed the ‘Wild Thing’, the 56-year-old has showcased his willingness to not give a penny of thought about others in his colorful life. His antics have often conjured up troubles beyond belief, but Daly has seldom shown remorse. Daly’s nagging habits kept the PGA Tour on its toes, which was evident after the golfer’s unforgiving show during a local television appearance back in 2008.

John Daly and his topless show on television

In 2008, Daly was eager to showcase his brand new acquisition – an entire golf club. The eponymous John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club in Branson, Missouri, was due for public viewing on a local television channel.

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Keen on making a grand appearance at the course, Daly dressed up in a way that grabbed attention. He wore no shoes, no socks, and not even a shirt on the site. Sporting merely blue jeans and a white cap with a cigarette between his lips, Daly opened the doors for his new golf club, in grand fashion.

On a warm April day, Daly played a few rounds with the local TV anchor. He also talked about his golf course and its beauty and encouraged others to have a go at the venue. Unsurprisingly, the video footage was widely criticized and was eventually met with stern words from the then-PGA Tour commissioner, Tim Finchem.

Former PGA Tour commissioner insists on “presentation”

Finchem declined to reveal whether he had a chat with Daly regarding the issue but made his expectations clear. “There are certain things about presentation that we must insist on. “There are certain things about presentation that are not going to be tolerated,” he said at a players’ meeting later.

“I think that the world changes and you make adjustments, but I think perhaps we need to be more direct in our comments to players about specific do’s and don’ts, and increase focus in that area to make sure that we have a level of professionalism going forward that we’re comfortable with,” he further added.

Indirectly, it was a statement of dissent towards Daly’s antics, but not that he cared. With the years gone by, the 2-time major championship winner has become more mature, which has reduced the recurrence of his antics. But with Daly being the person he is, you never know.

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