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Welcome to the Shag Bag, where the GolfChannel.com team and Golf Channel talent will regularly file thoughts and opinions from around the world of golf.

Golf Channel

88Emotional Daly calls it quits

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profileIconGolfChannel.com Team   Posted 01/29/2010, 5:43 PM EST

Golf Channel caught up with an emotional John Daly following a missed cut Friday at the Farmers Insurance Open and golf's lightning rod said that he's finished with golf.

"I'm done," Daly told Golf Channel following rounds of 79-71. "I can't compete. I can't play like I use too. I can't keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad. It's not worth it.

"I'm tired of embarrassing myself in front of (my fans). I can't do it anymore."

The announcement came after his second missed cut of the season. He missed making it to the weekend at the Sony Open in Hawaii two weeks ago.

Early Saturday morning Daly followed his Golf Channel comments with a series of messages on his Twitter account.

“Never said retirement in anything or twitter-i want to correct that! simply sayin I need my time & working through these bad times thank you,” he tweeted.

"My financial situation is putting me where I cannot focus on my game. I'm putting too much pressure on myself," Daly said in another message.

“Maybe my mind may change down the road but right now i don't have the money to be on the tour," was another Twitter entry.

This is the second time in six months that Daly has said he is stepping away from the game. He threatened to quit after shooting 88 in the Buick Open last summer, although his swing coach attributed that to rapid weight loss. Daly went on to play four more times.

This year he is scheduled to play in two weeks at Pebble Beach and has received a sponsor’s exemption at the Transitions Championship in March.

Daly's latest television series, "Being John Daly" premieres March 2 on Golf Channel.

 

29
Jan

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  1. Ron from Tampa

    Ron from Tampa Said on 02/07/2010, at 9:05 AM EST

    “Message to John: (forward it to him, if possible) John Find someone you can trust, someone who knows where you have been. Don't leave yourself to the only person who can get you into trouble (yourself). With respect to golf, go back to doing the things that made you happiest on the course or during practice. Free your mind from pressure as best you can. Take if one day at a time, but remember to each day smell the roses and feel the fresh air. The golf you were born to play will come back and your true friends will be walking with you back to the winners circle. Ron”

  2. jimfish

    jimfish Said on 02/03/2010, at 12:31 PM EST

    “JD is a GOOD guy. He needs some help... J. Fisher TX”

  3. Silverstreaks

    Silverstreaks Said on 02/03/2010, at 8:50 AM EST

    “I hope he stays...He figuratively and literally offers some "color" to the game. And jeez guess what? He is human!”

  4. revjr

    revjr Said on 02/02/2010, at 11:42 PM EST

    “I'm praying for JD to sober up and personally accept responsibility for his behavior. Even then, he'd still have to earn his right to be back on the Tour, just like his non-screwed up peers have to do. Why do we have this pity-party for a guy who is too lazy to do the work to get back on Tour? Never mind, a purely rhetorical question.”

  5. Said on 02/02/2010, at 6:57 PM EST

    “I'm happy to hear that John is not giving up, Keep the faith John things have to improve we are praying for you... ”

  6. huberthodges

    huberthodges Said on 02/02/2010, at 2:16 PM EST

    “ALL HE NEEDS TO DO IS PLAY INSIDE OF HIS HEELS WITH HIS WEIGHT ON INSIDE OF RIGHT HEEL ON BACKSWING AND ON INSIDE OF LEFT HEEL ON THRU SWING. OLD THOUGHT ON THIS WAS A BALL UNDER LITTLE TOE ON EACH FOOT. PUSH BACK CLUB WITH LEFT HAND WITH RIGHT HAND GOING ALONG FOR THE RIDE TO TOP OF SWING, THEN START DOWN TILL LEFT ARM GETS STARTED DOWN THEN USE BOTH HANDS THRU THE BALL. SUPER HOPE IT HELPS”

  7. StephenH

    StephenH Said on 02/02/2010, at 12:54 PM EST

    “SPCW, let's get a few things straight. If you cannot afford to travel to tour events and you are eligible to play, then maybe that should be a clue that you are not worth backing with investor money. Secondly, the rules are the rules on the PGA Tour and the top 125 in money are exempt for the following year. Some guys don't win, that's true but they also don't cry, bellyache, make excuses and hold their hand out like they are entitled to something like Daly does. They practice hard, show up at their designated tee times and play to the best of their ability- no shame in that and there never will be. There is also no gauranteed money on tour unless you make the cut- everything you earn is on your own merit on the golf course and you pay your own expenses as you stated. What is this live off the fat of the land garbage. There are roughly 45 tour events per year and even if you had a different winner at each event you would have 80 guys having to go back to Q-school each year. What a load of BS. So, in the rare years that Mickelson, Woods,Els, Garcia, Furyk, Cink et al don't win they would have to go back to school. That is about the stupidest thing I have heard on here in a long time. Every sport including golf has their superstars and the others who are bench players who get go along for the ride. This is nothing new and has been around since organized sports were conceived. So when the Tour stops off at say the Quad cities and Phil, Tiger, Ernie and the rest done't play- why even have the event- is that what you are trying to say? Daly pissed away any respect he earned a long time ago. I think he has played in roughly 70 tour events since he last won and has made the cut in about 40% of those events- no top 10's. Professional golf is about merit- not how popular you are and I have condemned tournament sponsors for inviting this clown only to sell a couple of hundred more tickets for charity. The facts are the facts and he cannot hack it on the big boy tour and Daly knows it- only a few of his drunk fans or enablers cannot see reality. FYI, the Masters is an Invitational and if you won that event like Nicklaus and Palmer did numerous times they can play as long as they want or until they get the letter that graciously says, your time is over competing against the flat bellies but we welcome your attendance during Masters week. The Masters committee can invite anyone they want to play and they won't be inviting Daly, that I can assure you unless he somehow pulls a rabbit out of his butt and wins another PGA or European Tour sanctioned event. Norman has won something like 75+ times around the world and has done nothing to disgrace himself, his family, his home and adopted countries or the game itself- unlike Daly. I don't recall Norman begging for sponsors invites on the PGA Tour. He played the British Open because he is a past champion and is allowed to participate under the rules of that tournament just like JD can. As far as Nicklaus, Palmer, Snead playing past their primes that is also true but under the rules of the PGA Tour under lifetime exemptions of 20 or more tour wins- they are/were allowed to do it. It doesn't mean they were competitive but those are still the rules and Davis Love is now part of that exemption and will never have to qualify again to play on tour. It doesn't mean they were competitive but it was their own ego that thought they could still play competitively. I was roasted on this website for saying Palmer had no business playing in the US Open at Oakmont in 1994 as well as Nicklaus in 2000 at Pebble Beach yet the USGA granted special exemptions for what they had both done for the game. So, if you think that Daly deserves some sort of special treatment for winning 2 majors and a handful of tour events- I would say to you that he has been given MORE than his fair share to prove himself and he hasn't played well enough. If he wants respect he has to earn it and that means going to Q-school and earning his card or playing the Nationwide tour and finishing within the top 25 money eaarnings. Then and only then will he earn respect instead of feeling like he is entitled to it.”

  8. Schwarts

    Schwarts Said on 02/02/2010, at 12:18 PM EST

    “I guess we are supposed to feel bad for a guy who has squandered his over $10Million in career earnings plus endorsment deals. I used to enjoy watching John but he is a shell of the player he once was. I agree with him. He should quit taking spots from other players.”

  9. Mezz

    Mezz Said on 02/02/2010, at 12:15 PM EST

    “O.K. John. We know how tormented you are by the "demons" that you allow to rule your life. And Wow! What a deep thinker you are sitting on your couch strumming your guitar. It is pretty easy to "brag" about wasting your career because of your vises.It would have been way to difficult to take advantage of you talent. I know deep down you are a nice guy but you are certainly not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Grow up! Nobody cares how much money you have gambled away or how much beer you can drink. Your financial situation is your fault. You had it all but you threw away to be some kind of half drunk cult hero. Why the golf channel wants to lower itself by following you around is beyond me. ”

  10. kmfunder07

    kmfunder07 Said on 02/02/2010, at 11:21 AM EST

    “DALY IS BRAIN DONE, PERIOD AND REPORT! GC IS A DUMB A** FOR WASTING MONEY VIDEOING THIS DRUMMED UP CRAP. IN THE COMMERCIAL, I CAN NOT MAKE OUT WHO IS SMOKING DUE TO THE NOT VERY GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD GOLFERS, SMOKE. DON'T WASTE OUR TIME WITH THIS GARBAGE. JD HAS HAD TOO MANY CHANCES AS IT IS! ”

  11. spcw

    spcw Said on 02/02/2010, at 10:57 AM EST

    “@Stephen H. First of all the PGA does not pay Appearance Fees so John has to pay entry fees and travel costs out of his own pocket. Second last week John was not on a sponsors invitation he was there because he was a past champion. Third he is still a big draw to tournaments even though he rarely plays the weekend anymore so it is a good business plan for Tournaments to invite him and Fourth and last, even though he does not live up to everyone's unrealistic life style illusions he is a Two Time Major Champiion and Five Time Winner so he should get some respect. The PGA tour is full of also rans and never will be's so it is not fair to just target him. How about the PGA tour make a rule that if you don't win a tournament for that year you have to requalify to get your card. Would that make you happy? There are several journeymen golfers on tour that only play to make the cut so they can earn a living. They do not care about winning because that is too much pressure. Collect a check and then fold the tent. As long as the PGA allows others to live off of the fat of the land they have to let him live off of what he has contributed. I mean what has half the field at any given tournament done to deserve their opportunity? Nicklaus, Palmer, Sneed, and a host of others played on tour long after their games passed them by. Why did they get to continue? How about Norman? He plays and gets exemptions yet he has not won anything in about 10 years. It's time people just get off of his back about taking someones spot. Jack and Arnie did it for years at the Masters. At least the British Open passed a rule to get rid of the dead weight. May be the PGA should do the same thing. I say reduce the field to 70 players. Only those with wins from the previous or current year and two Sponsors invites get in automatically. Have the Pro AM's on Monday and Tuesday and use Wednesday as a qualifier for the rest of the spots. Have another cut to 40 on Friday and have a 36 hole finish on Sunday. Only pay 40 spots and you get rid of all of the dopes that do not belong. ”

  12. l.stratford@xplornet.com

    l.stratford@xplornet.com Said on 02/02/2010, at 9:45 AM EST

    “I do feel badly for John Daly, but pity is not what he needs right now - tough love is. Make him earn his way back on tour. If he wants it badly enough, he'll work for it. JS”

  13. Jszwilling

    Jszwilling Said on 02/02/2010, at 9:35 AM EST

    “I really hope to see him back. Everyone loves the excitement that he brings to the game. We see that he is I. A slump but I know he will work it out”

  14. Icebreaker

    Icebreaker Said on 02/02/2010, at 12:29 AM EST

    “John Daly was once a legitimate professional golfer, who rightly attracted true golf fans. Those fans have for the most part moved on to follow competitive professionals, leaving a fringe group who for some reason are still compelled to watch him. I think the most responsible thing I've heard John say recently was that it was not fair of him to keep taking spots from young players (who are willing to work hard on their games and image). John, move on to the next stage of your life, and good luck.”

  15. The Roge

    The Roge' Said on 02/01/2010, at 10:59 PM EST

    “It is time both John Daly and David Duval realize their best golf days are behind them. They should both go to the Nationwide Tour and retool or quit. In the past the Golf Channel and networks complained about players getting exemptions who didn't deserve them. These two have more than used up their exptions and need to let up and coming players have a chance. ”

  16. katiegirl10

    katiegirl10 Said on 02/01/2010, at 10:47 PM EST

    “I sure hope John Daly rethinks what he said about quitting the game. He still has many, many, many fans who still enjoy watching him. When he's on he stll brings excitement to the game. Long hitting and other strange shots he makes. His putting is off some but as we all know golf is not all that easy all the time. So God Bless you John hope to see you in the future playing well. Good Luck and God Bless”

  17. go tiger!!!

    go tiger!!! Said on 02/01/2010, at 8:54 PM EST

    “all of the comments about tiger are irrelevant.when it comes to golf, tiger can still score well. i dont see TGC following around what tiger did. john daly doesnt deserve to be on the tour anymore. his personal life is unacceptable, as well as his play.”

  18. StephenH

    StephenH Said on 02/01/2010, at 3:35 PM EST

    “I lover how TGC writes this article with big font type and then at the bottom shamelessly promotes the show. Forget it GC, no amount of promoting is going to get me to watch this drunk text message and smoke for 25 minutes per show”

  19. revjr

    revjr Said on 02/01/2010, at 3:32 PM EST

    “"StephenH", very well said. You expressed my thoughts exactly, except for the "driving range" part. I think the next chapter in this story is likely to be sadder than a driving range job unless JD takes a serious look at himself. "Just Joe", I couldn't disagree with you more. As "juggy1" just said, Nick is a great announcer IMHO. And JD as an announcer? Please! I've had a belly full of his whining just in short interviews. I think JD is truly delusional at this point in his life and I'd prefer not to hear his opinions on anything - including other golfers.”

  20. PGAneedsDaly

    PGAneedsDaly Said on 02/01/2010, at 3:12 PM EST

    “Like him or not The Tour needs John Daly now more than ever. With Tiger out, Daly is the next biggest draw. When he is in the field he moves the needle on attendance. The Tour needs him to find his game again. I just hope he didn't leave it in the casino. Love to watch the guy play. Whe he's on...he's the best.”

  21. juggy1

    juggy1 Said on 02/01/2010, at 3:06 PM EST

    “Tiger,now Daly two of my favorites. I lost 115 lbs 1-1-'96 to1-1-'97 and was weak as a puppy.Give it time. Nick is a great announcer. One of the good guys. Disregard the d$%^heads remarks,Nick juggy in Kentucky”

  22. holeinoneon12

    holeinoneon12 Said on 02/01/2010, at 3:03 PM EST

    “In the past I was supporter of Daly. I always thought if he could turn things around he could be a good role model for the youth of our country. But no more. Daly is a big cry baby and I believe the golfing world is finally sick and tired of him. And, the Golf Channel should stop promoting him by having him on their show. Gary in Grand Rapids”

  23. Hoganzswing

    Hoganzswing Said on 02/01/2010, at 2:57 PM EST

    “ I resent the comment about Faldo. He is a wonderful announcer, good-natured, insightful, entertaining and takes us inside the mind of a competitor.”

  24. mikero

    mikero Said on 02/01/2010, at 2:55 PM EST

    “Cancel the Premiere. I don't think people want to see a chain smoking drunk who has quit the tour. TGC has sunk to a new low bringing this program on. It was bad enough watching Charles Barkley try to learn how to play (and failing). Ray Romano should be better.”

  25. colin1344

    colin1344 Said on 02/01/2010, at 1:57 PM EST

    “Jed Clampett once said, 'that boy's got the hands to be a brain surgeon or a soda jerk.' Daly had the power and flexibility to be the longest hitter on tour and the soft hands of a deft putter and short game wizard but he can't compete when his hands have been busy creating the 'Ronald McDonald has a few pops and goes golfing' show. No PGA pro competes in order to feed his family. One endorsement would take care of me and mine for the year. They compete and practice out of a burning desire to master the game. Daly's other desires take priority. Make him compete to get back on tour. And for the love of god cancel that assinine show. Can some of the sycophants on TGC while you are at it. ”

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