‘I Got Paid A Lot Of Money To Go And Play European Events, What's The Difference?' - John Daly On LIV Golf
The two-time Major winner has long been a fan of LIV Golf and says PGA Tour players moving across should not be an issue
John Daly believes there is "no difference" between him being paid to feature in European Tour events through the late 1980s and 1990s and modern golfers earning significant sums via the LIV Golf League.
Daly has always been an admirer of LIV and has been quoted in the past as saying he "begged" LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to invite him onto the 54-hole circuit. The shorter tournaments, no cuts, and bigger prize purses were all reasons 'Wild Thing' was keen to play his golf there.
But the two-time Major champion has so far been rebuffed and continues to play on the PGA Tour Champions where he has claimed one title - the 2017 Insperity Invitational.
Following Jon Rahm's seismic switch to LIV Golf from the PGA Tour, the American was discussing a variety of topics - including the PIF-funded League - with Tucker Carlson on the presenter's own show.
When Carlson asked Daly what he thought of LIV, the three-time PGA Tour winner admitted he was a huge fan and argued that being paid to float between the American and European Tours 30 years ago is no different to what Rahm and others have done today.
On LIV, Daly said: "I think it's great. I would have played it! I was hoping that Finchem [Tim, former PGA Tour commissioner] would say: "Ok, look, guys. [If] you play your 15 tournaments - go play it. We have to play 15 [events] on the regular tour and I think 11 or 12 on the Champions Tour. Once you do that, let us go play wherever we want.
"I think golf is a growing game. I'm not going to sit here and deny... I got paid a lot of money to go and play European events - what's the difference [with LIV]? There's no difference."
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Ep. 50 Golfer John Daly doesn’t look, act or think like anyone else in the game. And that’s exactly why we wanted to talk to him. pic.twitter.com/tolBziqRswDecember 12, 2023
Daly - who was known for his ultra-long driving distance - also pointed out that his unconventional character and outlook would match up well with LIV Golf.
Daly continued: "I think LIV looks like it's a lot of fun. I would be perfect for it. They have concerts, the guys have fun, they can wear shorts. In the Pro-Ams, like we can now, they ride around in carts. It's almost like playing the Champions Tour.
"Three days of golf, no cut. But, I will say, LIV has got a little bit bigger purses than we do on the Champions Tour. To win $4 million for 54 holes is pretty good. And then you've got your team - if your team wins then that's an extra $900,000 extra."
Looking for the perfect gift for the festive season? Check out the best Golf Gifts for Christmas.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
DP World Tour Rookie Hit With Slow Play Penalty On First Pro Start
Jacob Skov Olesen was handed a one-shot penalty for slow play at the Australian PGA Championship in what was his very first start as a professional
By Paul Higham Published
-
Nelly Korda Claims LPGA Awards Double After Seven-Win Season
Nelly Korda was handed the two top prizes at the LPGA Awards after a seven-win season including her second Major
By Paul Higham Published
-
John Daly Reveals Role In Happy Gilmore 2 And Shares Possible Release Date
'Wild Thing' said he has already filmed his part in the anticipated movie and shared when fans can expect to see it on Netflix
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
John Daly's Son Qualifies For US Amateur Weeks After Korn Ferry Tour Debut
John Daly II shot a two-under round of 68 at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas to reach the prestigious amateur event next month
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'The Pressure Was Really On, I Had One New Golf Ball Left' - When John Daly Made 18 By The Water At Bay Hill
'Wild Thing' shot 85 at the 1998 Arnold Palmer Invitational - including an extraordinary 18 on the sixth hole
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Do The Opposite Of Me' - John Daly On Being A Role Model
'Wild Thing' acknowledged he may have made some questionable choices in the past
By Jeff Kimber Published