John Daly, the charismatic two-time major champion, is set to make waves next week—but not at the PGA Championship. Instead, the 59-year-old veteran has opted to play in the Regions Tradition, the first of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, scheduled for the same week as the prestigious PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Daly, who famously clinched the PGA Championship in 1991 as the last-minute alternative, expressed his thoughts on the scheduling conflict. "I can go there (PGA Championship) and miss the cut and get $6,000. (Instead) I’m playing Birmingham (Alabama). 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?" His frustration highlights the unique quirks of the 2025 golf schedule.
The Regions Tradition in Birmingham is a highly regarded event, but it’s not without its challenges. Traditionally, May is a crowded month for golf, and organizers have faced difficulties securing support on Mother’s Day. Additionally, the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional follows just a week after, complicating the scheduling further.
Daly's decision comes on the heels of a challenging season. Earlier this year, he underwent emergency surgery on his left hand, which has impeded his performance. After returning to competitive play in March, his best finish has been a T50 at the James Hardie Pro-Football HOF Invitational, a tournament where he had previously triumphed in 2017.
Last week at the Insperity Invitational, Daly struggled significantly, finishing at a staggering 27-over par, unable to break 80 over the weekend. "Waking up is a win for me," he remarked, reflecting on his resilience through 16 surgeries and his battle with bladder cancer. Despite these setbacks, Daly remains undeterred and committed to competing on the Champions Tour.
He’s not alone in skipping the PGA Championship. Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA champion who famously defeated Tiger Woods, has also chosen to sit this one out. Beem, now a commentator for Sky Sports, cited a lack of preparation time after a difficult outing at Valhalla last year. He stated, "I got my (butt) handed to me last year. Even though I had success at Bethpage (2019), you lose 10 yards, you might as well lose 100." Beem plans to return to the PGA Championship in 2027 in his home state of Texas.
Other notable absences include Davis Love III, who is recovering from heart surgery, and Y.E. Yang, the 2009 champion. These withdrawals underscore the ongoing challenges faced by seasoned players as they navigate health issues while striving to remain competitive.
Meanwhile, the women’s game is also making headlines. Haeran Ryu has surged to a career-high No. 5 in the world rankings after her impressive wire-to-wire victory at the Black Desert Championship. This marks a significant achievement, as it’s the first time in over six months that a South Korean player has been among the top five, a notable shift in a landscape historically dominated by South Korean talent.
Ryu’s ascent is remarkable, considering she was ranked No. 25 just a year ago. With three LPGA Tour wins in the last 19 months, she’s proving to be a formidable competitor. Fellow South Korean players Hyo Joo Kim and Jin Young Ko also made the top 10, further emphasizing the competitive nature of women’s golf.
In a thrilling twist, the LPGA Tour witnessed back-to-back albatrosses, a feat rarely seen in golf. Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia achieved this remarkable shot on the par-5 18th hole at the Black Desert Championship, following Yan Liu’s albatross the previous week at the Chevron Championship. Kyriacou’s albatross came from a 5-wood shot from 212 meters (233 yards), showcasing her incredible skill and timing.
As the golf world turns its attention to the upcoming events, Matthieu Pavon and Chris Kirk serve as reminders of the competitive landscape. Both players will be at Quail Hollow next week, albeit relying on special invitations due to their current standings. Kirk, who finished 27th in the FedEx Cup last year, has struggled lately, going 14 tournaments without a top 10 finish. Pavon, who won at Torrey Pines in 2024, is also facing a similar drought, having gone 23 tournaments without a top 10.
In college golf, Luke Clanton, Jackson Koivun, and David Ford have been named finalists for the Big Hogan Award, recognizing the top player in college golf. With all three ranked Nos. 1-2-3 in the world amateur rankings, the competition is fierce. The winner will be announced on May 19 at Colonial, adding another layer of excitement to the golf calendar.
As the Mizuho Americas Open unfolds this week at Liberty National, the title sponsor has renewed its agreement through 2030, raising total prize money to $3.25 million next year. This reflects the growing support and investment in women’s golf, which is crucial for the sport’s development.
With the golf season heating up, fans are eager to see how the players perform at the Regions Tradition and the PGA Championship. Will Daly find success in Birmingham? How will the absence of former champions impact the PGA Championship? As the action unfolds, one thing is certain: the world of golf is as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.
