The enigmatic John Daly, affectionately known as ‘The Wild Thing’, has always been a unique persona in the world of golf. Since his induction into the PGA Tour in 1991, Daly has been a vibrant presence, often eclipsing his remarkable golfing prowess.
In his inaugural year, Daly’s talent shone bright as he clinched the PGA Championship at the revered Crooked Stick Golf Club. His winning streak persisted as he went on to secure victory at the 1995 Open at St Andrews, a coveted achievement for any pro golfer.
Notably, Daly was an original force on the golf course, being the first player to average a 300-yard drive on the PGA Tour. This feat laid the groundwork for future golfing prodigies such as Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, who have been pushing boundaries with their tee shots. Viktor Hovland’s former coach, Joe Mayo, has even hailed Daly as the most talented golfing prodigy he has witnessed.
Following his retirement from the PGA Tour, Daly has been an active participant in the Champions Tour. Last year, his appearances were limited to The Open and PGA Championship.
In recent times, Daly transitioned into the digital golf space, featuring in Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube series ‘Break 50’. A notable highlight was Daly and his son John Daly Jr. competing against Phil Mickelson and Grant Horvat in a riveting two-on-two challenge.
Astute observers would have noted Daly’s distinctive one-handed putting technique in the video. Contrary to popular belief, this was not a mere gimmick but a strategic move. Daly opened up about the rationale behind this unique style. He shared a story from a past match against Rocco Mediate and Tim Herron when he scored 65 at Wisconsin while putting one-handed. This left even his competitors in awe.
Daly finds this technique beneficial as it ensures a consistent follow-through and a more accurate putt. This is also the reason he favors a larger grip, allowing his left arm to follow through smoothly.
Interestingly, Daly’s approach echoes that of Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champ, who has a preference for the claw grip. This grip style has gained prominence on the PGA Tour, with golfing luminaries like Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia also employing it.
Even Scottie Scheffler, the world number one in 2025, has occasionally used the claw grip, which seems to have significantly enhanced his putting skills since he began working with Phil Kenyon.
Mickelson, reacting to Daly’s one-handed putting technique, pointed out that it essentially uses the back of the wrist as the face for the target, reducing resistance and promoting accuracy. This insightful exchange between two golfing legends offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic depth and technical nuance of the sport.
