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Golf icon John Daly admits his biggest mistake from his wild career

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 11:21 AM ET

John Daly is one of the most unique figures in golf, with a style that’s always been a bit different from the rest.

Daly isn’t allowed to play in the Australian Open anymore after an outburst at the tournament led to a lifetime ban.

Even at 59, Daly’s still making headlines, not long ago shooting an 88 on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

Despite all the stories and controversies, there’s no denying his ability. He won two majors during his career and often seemed comfortable under pressure. The first came at the 1991 PGA Championship, followed by victory at The Open in 1995.

John Daly once spoke openly about a major regret from his golf career

Daly, who played nearly 550 times on the PGA Tour, picked up five wins over his career. But looking back, he did have one regret. Speaking to The Guardian in 2014, Daly said: “I feel like through doing the right things in the last few years of my career, I haven’t had back from the game what I feel like I deserve.”

“I was young and dumb back in the 90s but I had a lot of fun. I didn’t think it would end. I kick myself in the a– every day for not trying a little harder or working on my game a little harder. I wish I had this mentality in the 90s,” he added.

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“The kids in golf nowadays are coming up very mature. They know what they want, they know what they are doing.”

“I don’t think their practice schedule is that much different to what I had but there were plenty of times when I could have hit a few more balls earlier in tournament weeks, like I do now, to prepare myself a little better.”

How John Daly evaluated his own game in 2014

Daly was well known for his length off the tee during his playing days, which was a major part of what made him so effective.

In the 2004 PGA Tour season, when he clinched his last win at the Buick Invitational, he ranked third for driving distance.

Daly’s average of 306 yards was bettered only by Hank Kuehne (314.4) and Scott Hend (312.6).

But by 2014, he wasn’t hitting it as straight as he’d have liked. “I just can’t seem to hit fairways right now. I am barely missing them, though,” he said at the time.

“On a lot of these courses now if you miss them, you are just hacking it out. I’m close, I just have to hit more fairways.”

“I feel like I am hitting it really decently and I’m not that far from playing great golf. I have been working hard enough at it.”

“I think as we get older, we love the game even more. I feel like I still wouldn’t be pushing myself this hard; one if I couldn’t and two if I didn’t feel like I could still win.”

Daly’s power advantage wouldn’t stand out nearly as much if compared with today’s players.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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