Famed for his thunderous drives, outrageous attire, and exuberant demeanor, Daly has consistently added flair and unpredictable elements to the game. Daly famously once remarked, “I’m the only guy who can outdrive Tiger and still lose by 10 strokes,” in reference to his battle with Tiger Woods. Even though their techniques were different, Daly and Woods challenged one another to reach new heights. As the ninth alternate, Daly made his breakthrough in 1991 by winning the PGA Championship and enthralling spectators with his daring play.

Although he is still very much a golf enthusiast at the age of fifty-nine, Daly has confirmed that he will be skipping out on the 2025 PGA Championship comes as a shock to fans and the golf community as a whole. However, apart from a multitude of reasons, one reason stands out as the most peculiar one for his decision.

Why is John Daly skipping the 2025 PGA Championship?

As a key event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, John Daly has declared that he will compete in the Regions Tradition rather than the 2025 PGA Championship. Daly has been upset about the schedule clash between the two events and has voiced his unhappiness with the overlap. “I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000,” Daly said of the PGA Championship. However, “But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor. But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks (Koepka) and all the guys?” he further added.

Daly’s current health issues also play a role in his choice. He had emergency hand surgery in January, which was his sixteenth procedure. His performance has been subpar since he started competing again, including finishing the Insperity Invitational in 27 overs. The less physically taxing Champions Tour has become a better choice for the 59-year-old golfer due to these difficulties.

Daly is not the only one impacted by the scheduling controversy. Y.E. Yang, Davis Love III, and Rich Beem are the other former champions who have chosen not to compete in the PGA Championship because of performance and health issues. Beyond scheduling frustrations, Daly’s physical health has also raised serious concerns, painting a more personal reason behind his PGA Championship absence.

Daly issues worrying health update 

In recent years, John Daly’s health has been a major worry. He has had several procedures after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020, including a recent emergency hand operation. Daly is adamant about continuing to compete despite these obstacles. “I’m like Lazarus — I keep coming back from the dead,” he said. “Waking up is a win for me.”

However, based on his recent results, he is not at his best. Daly was 27 shots over par and finished last at the 2025 Insperity Invitational. These outcomes, as well as his persistent health problems, motivated his decision to concentrate on the Champions Tour, where the competition is less physically taxing.

Despite his health problems, Daly’s passion for golf hasn’t diminished. He continues to be a beloved figure in the sport due to his perseverance and vivacious personality. His decision to skip the PGA Championship shows that he is determined to compete at a level suitable for his current physical condition.