AUGUSTA, Ga. — When rain closed Augusta National to the public on Monday, golf enthusiasts found another iconic spot to celebrate golf history nearby.
Just a mile from Augusta National`s famous Magnolia Lane, fans of all ages and backgrounds waited in the rain. It`s Masters week in Augusta, but arriving on Washington Road towards Augusta National, another tradition immediately stands out.
A sign outside Hooters announces, `COME SEE JOHN DALY TODAY.` Since 1997, the larger-than-life golf legend has been setting up shop here all week. He sells merchandise, takes photos with fans, and always has a Marlboro Red cigarette in hand.
Bret Bowen, a local Augusta resident, calls John Daly his hero. `He’s the best, most fun golfer ever,` Bowen said.
Daly, who hasn`t played in the Masters since 2006, returns every year, offering a different experience from the prestigious Augusta National. Inside the golf club, phones, cameras, and cigarettes are prohibited. But at Hooters, fans can meet the relatable icon and he can `Eat some good food, smoke, sell some stuff,` as Daly himself puts it.
And he sells a lot. Last year, his team reported sales of about $780,000 on the Hooters patio. This year could 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,` cost $250 and were sold out by Wednesday morning.
He’s the king of Augusta`s alternative scene. Rental data shows that during Masters week, daily rental prices in town average $656, compared to $219 for the rest of the year. While many Masters attendees arrive in private jets, Daly`s fans are just as devoted, often bringing gifts. Behind his merchandise tables was a box of Vidalia onions, an annual gift from `Dale from Vidalia.` A fan from Wisconsin brought cheese, another state specialty.
`My Wisconsin guy always brings the cheese,` Daly said. `I love cheese and onions. Vidalia onions are the best, no matter who you are.`
Larry Stelow, a Wisconsin resident and pet portrait artist, 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 really special.`
Daly sells signed golf balls for $10, pictures, shirts, and replica pin flags from his 1991 PGA Championship win for $100. He signs everything purchased and takes photos with everyone.
He even gave Bret Bowen a cigarette, making his day.
Daly became a legend at the 1991 PGA Championship. As an unknown 25-year-old, he entered as the ninth alternate and won, despite never having played the course before. His `grip-it-and-rip-it` style amazed fans. He was the first player 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 Open Championship in 1995. He brought a shock to the traditional sport.
Off the course, Daly was relatable, unlike the typical golfer image. He was known for his mullet, cigarettes, beer, love for Hooters, and down-to-earth attitude. His golf fashion was also unconventional, moving away from traditional styles.
Rebecca Gaines from Athens, Georgia, has been coming to see Daly for five years, admiring his unique style with neon, skulls, American flags, and paint splatters. Golf writer Dan Jenkins humorously compared Daly`s pants to a Motel 6 shower curtain.
But Gaines loves it. `He’s my favorite because of his clothes,` she said. `That’s why I liked him.`
Daly’s caddie, Lance Odom, met him on the Champions Tour. Odom, who helps manage the crowds and take photos, is amazed by Daly`s popularity. `People come here like it’s their first time at Disney,` Odom said. `Everyone has a story. It’s like being with Michael Jordan.`
Scott Grennell from Hinesville, Georgia, came on his lunch break. `Growing up, my heroes were Pete Rose and John Daly,` he said. `And I met one today.`
Ed Burns, from Liverpool, England, admires Daly’s populism in golf. `He changed the sport, an ordinary guy like that,` Burns said. `He won the Open. I admire him.`
Jason Gamble and his golf group, `Drunk By the Turn` (DBT), see Daly as a role model. `John resonates with us. He’s our mascot. He’s just a free guy, smoking, drinking, and playing golf.`
For Pam Duvall, seeing Daly saved her Masters week trip. After her promised Masters passes fell through, meeting Daly at Hooters made the expensive trip worthwhile. `My kids wanted Masters souvenirs, but signed John Daly merchandise is even better.`
Daly has faced health issues, including bladder cancer in 2020 and numerous surgeries. `I have more metal than the bionic man,` he joked. `But I keep coming back.`
He plans to continue his Hooters tradition as long as he`s welcome. It`s a beneficial partnership for both Daly and Hooters. Daly`s son, John Daly II, a college golfer, recently won his first tournament. Daly proudly mentioned his son`s impressive finish and NIL deal with Hooters, but stated `Little John` will focus on golf, not merchandise sales.
Daly`s Augusta experience has evolved. He used to park an RV at Hooters, with fans visiting at all hours. Odom recalls Michael Phelps once knocking on the door just to hang out. The large tent party is gone now that Augusta National owns the property, but Daly is happy with his patio setup where fans can eat, smoke, and buy merchandise.
`I might not make the Hall of Fame, but I’ll always have the fans,` Daly said. `I love them. We connect, especially with blue-collar people.`
Alexis Davis, a Hooters waitress from Augusta, loves Masters week because of Daly`s diverse fanbase. `Golf fans bring a different energy. They’re excited for the Masters or sharing their stories afterwards.` She sees Daly as bridging the gap between golf`s serious and fun sides. Even celebrities like Ken Griffey Jr., Matt Damon, and Joey Fatone have visited.
`You can have both,` she said. `Golf, proper attire, and still have fun.`
Another fan, Karson Angell, sums it up: `If you`re going to the Masters and you ain`t coming to Hooters after, then where you at?`
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely