It’s hard not to agree with John Daly when he said, “Watching from afar isn’t the same.” He sounded a bit sad just then. Who wouldn’t, especially after being forced to withdraw from the Open Championship citing an injury? Fast forward a couple of months and the senior golfer seems fine. Fine in the sense that he just confirmed his presence in the field at the event which boasts even the likes of Tiger Woods, and Bernhard Langer.
Doesn’t take much to guess the name of the tournament with just these hints. Yes, the senior golfer was talking about the 2024 PNC Championship as he confirmed his availability for the same. The athlete shared a couple of pictures with himself and his son, John Daly II, on his Instagram handle while writing, “Team Daly is IN… see you all in December.”
The Daly fans would be happy, surely, with the recent announcement! For the golfer had pulled out from the last major of the season owing to an injury in his knee. “Disappointed on missing out @TheOpen b/c of a knee injury,” wrote the pro back then on X, “Watching from afar isn’t the same, but know I tried my heart out to get thru it. Was at physio this morning and made the decision to ice & rest it!”
Most injuries have a name. What about this one, then? Look no further, as this also has a moniker. Unfortunately, the 2-time major champ was suffering from the iliotibial (ITB) band syndrome. The condition causes pain (read aching, burning feeling) that might spread up to the thighs, all thanks to the friction of the ITB moving over the lateral femoral epicondyle during exercise.
Now it seems much better. Otherwise, how would he have expressed his intention to duke it out amongst the other parents and their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren including Tiger Woods at Ritz Carlton Golf Club? That’s not all. Daly would even hope to replicate the 2021 performance he dished out with his son at the event.
John Daly and son wins PNC Championship in 2021
It was close to three years ago. A 12-under by John Daly’s team helped him finish T2 at the end of day 1 at the PNC Championship. However, Stewart Cink, who had placed himself at T1 after the first round of 13-under, failed to keep the momentum and shot an 11-under. The then 55-year-old Daly took this chance and scored a 15-under to clinch the top spot.
He was able to finish two strokes ahead of Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods, both of whom scored a 25-under after the second day. Consequently, the senior pro also took home a cut of $200,000 following the victory. Three years and a bunch of injuries later, the question would be whether he, alongside his son, be able to clinch the win this time around as well. His fans would certainly hope so!
