The vibrant Hawaiian shirts, the monster drives, and the ever-present cigarette—these trademarks of John Daly have been noticeably absent from the PGA Tour Champions scene in early 2025. Fans have felt the void at this year’s first three senior events, missing golf’s beloved rebel. ‘Long John’ has been laying low, recovering in the shadows. With a career full of wild swings, his absence has everyone wondering – when will he tee it up again?

The answer finally arrived through an unexpected source. While Daly remains sidelined for this week’s Cologuard Classic, running from March 7 to March 9, golf enthusiasts can mark their calendars for his return. The two-time major champion is preparing to make his 2025 debut on the PGA Tour Champions circuit after being forced to withdraw following hand surgery in mid-January.

John Daly’s comeback at Newport Beach confirmed by eyewear sponsor

The news of Daly’s imminent return came not through an official PGA Tour Champions announcement but via social media. Scheyden Precision Eyewear confirmed through their Instagram handle, scheydeneyewear, that the popular golfer will be back in action at the Hoag Classic 2025 in Newport Beach. “Hoag Classic 2025 Newport Beach is around the corner! and we have Scheyden’s Very Own JD! Ready and Committed! Let’s Go!!!! 🚀🚀🚀⛳️🕶️,” the enthusiastic post declared. Even while recovering, Daly hasn’t been idle – he’s been revitalizing “The Lion’s Den,” his innovative membership platform launched in December 2024 that offers fans GHIN handicap tracking and exclusive merchandise starting at just $9 monthly.

John Daly’s emergency hand surgery in January effectively knocked him out of the PGA Tour Champions’ early-season events, including the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, the Morocco Champions in Rabat, and the Chubb Classic. His absence from this week’s Cologuard Classic field further extended his time away from competition to nearly two months—a significant break for the 58-year-old, who typically maintains an active playing schedule.

The January surgery corrected complications from chronic osteoarthritis in his left hand—an issue that first emerged during the 2024 Chubb Classic when Daly withdrew after his club struck hard ground during a shot, triggering a painful flare-up. Daly expressed optimism immediately after the surgery, stating he would “be back playing in no time“—a prediction now coming true with his Newport Beach return after the standard 6-12 week recovery timeline for such procedures.

For Daly, though, this hand surgery is just the latest in a long line of medical challenges he has endured throughout his career.

How the hand surgery adds to Daly’s long battle with health issues

This latest medical setback adds another chapter to John Daly’s lengthy history of health challenges. Throughout his colorful career, the five-time PGA Tour winner has faced numerous physical obstacles, making his resilience almost as legendary as his prodigious driving distance.

Daly’s health struggles include two knee replacements—his right knee in December 2020 and his left knee in December 2022. These surgeries granted him eligibility to use a cart under the Americans with Disabilities Act during tournaments. “My knee is screwed,” Daly told reporters in 2019. “I had the meniscus cut out, and it’s basically bone on bone.”

Daly has confronted more serious health scares. In September 2020, he revealed a diagnosis of bladder cancer that required immediate surgery. “There’s an 85 percent chance it comes back,” Daly said at the time, displaying his characteristic frankness. Prior to that, in 2019, he suffered a life-threatening sepsis infection from a brown recluse spider bite during a vacation in England, requiring emergency surgery.

Despite these obstacles, Daly has consistently shown a remarkable ability to bounce back. His 2024 season was surprisingly solid, with 15 cuts made in 16 events, including a respectable showing at the PNC Championship with his son in December. Now, as the Hoag Classic approaches, fans hope this latest return will follow the pattern of resilience that has defined his nearly 40-year career.