John Daly has been a regular drinker since his early days, but did you know he had paused on drinking for the urge of a Major Sponsorship deal?

John Daly’s infamous deal with Callaway Golf

Daly became an overnight superstar after winning his maiden championship title. Soon after the famous victory at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in 1991, Daly was heading for various interviews and signing new sponsorship deals. Everyone wanted a bite of his newfound fame, and the sport-leading company, Callaway Golf, wasn’t behind.

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However, the company was aware of Daly’s drinking habits and settled for an agreement. Callaway was prepared to offer an eye-watering $3 million, but on one condition – Daly was to give up his drinking habits in addition to avoiding splashing money in casinos. With a bitter pill, the two-time Major Championship winner took the bait, which eventually led to a sorry affair for both parties involved.

It all crumbled down after Daly was seen having the night of his life at Jacksonville Beach, Florida, after withdrawing from the PGA Championship due to a sore hip. 26 months after signing the agreement, Callaway and Daly decided to rip the contract after the latter refused to join a rehab center.

What did John Daly say about the issue?

While accepting that the loss of the contract was displeasing, Daly was optimistic about a future without barriers. “I think Mr. C. made it too easy for me,” he said. “The money was too good, and I didn’t practice hard enough. It’s going to make me hungry, that money not coming in like it was. There’s a ton of money out there, and it’s time for me to earn my money again.”

He then resorted to making a proper John Daly proverb. “It was either golf and drinking, or no golf and no drinking. I made a decision to keep playing golf. This is what I do.”

Daly also clarified that he wanted to drink, but not get drunk. He mentioned that drinking was controllable, saying, “there are certain times in their lives that they don’t think alcohol does take over”.

While Daly continues to drink without any hindrances, his game has altogether suffered. He no longer plays on the PGA Tour, resorting to the Champions Tour. He has won a singular title on the tour, emerging victorious in the 2017 Insperity Invitational.

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