John Daly, Who Hasn’t Played in the Masters Since 2006, Excites the Golf Community With His Legendary Augusta National Tradition

The Masters is widely regarded as one of the greatest sporting events of the year. While the competition is what excites the fans, the traditions followed at Augusta National are what make the event iconic. Though most of the longstanding ceremonies are conducted officially, there are plenty of unofficial traditions too. One such practice has been followed by the ‘Wild Thing,’ John Daly for the past 26 years. But what does the golfer do at Augusta National that is so exciting, despite him not competing in it since 2006?

John Daly is widely loved by the golf world. His long drives and witty character, along with his controversial personal life earned him the respect of fans. Though many fans have affection towards the two-time Major winner, the golfer has given his heart to something else.

The 56-year-old’s love for the fast-food restaurant, Hooters, is well known among his fans. He is a frequent visitor to the Florida-based restaurant. But how does John Daly follow a tradition at Augusta National through his love for the Hooters?

No Masters invite? No problem for John Daly

The legendary golfer, who had his best finish at the Masters 30 years ago with a T3, hasn’t competed at the iconic Augusta National since 2006. Despite that, his absence hasn’t been felt as he has been following a tradition of his own during the first Major of the season since 1997. During the Masters week, Daly has spent most of his time at the Hooters tent in the parking lot of the Augusta National Golf Course.

“Hooters is like a family to me, you know”, said the golfer while talking about the tradition in a 2018 interview with David Meltzer. He also added, “We have done this since 1997 when I played the Masters, and I do it when I don’t”. While the tent may serve food for the visitors, it also acts as a fan meetup for the John Daly fans.

Big John’s admirers get the opportunity to meet the two-time Major winner, buy his merchandise, get his autograph and also take a picture with him. With the Masters only a few days away from commencing, fans on Twitter shared their reactions to Daly’s 26-year-long Augusta National tradition. Let’s take a look at what the golf world had to say:

One user tagged the golfer and casually enquired whether he would be there at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 9.

Given the frequent attention around LIV Golf ever since its inception in 2022, the rebel league was also on the mind of some users as they name-dropped it while reacting to the image of John Daly.

Read More: John Daly Who Is Known for His Generosity, Once Saw a $27,000 Offer From a Generous Fan

One expressed surprise at the two-time Major winner not getting the call, while the other suggested a role for the 56-year-old.

As Augusta National Golf Club is home to many traditions that define it, there are also plenty of traditions followed outside the golf course. Thanks to John Daly, fans get to be part of one such custom, and also meet the legendary golfer.

What are your thoughts on John Daly’s Masters tradition? Let us know in the comment section below.

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