John Daly’s Historic Meltdown: A 19-Stroke Nightmare at the Sanford International

By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER
Published: 07:56 EDT, 13 September 2025

In a shocking display of golf misadventure, former major champion John Daly recently made headlines for his incredible 19-stroke performance on a single hole during the PGA Tour Champions event at the Sanford International. Known for his colorful personality and dramatic style both on and off the course, Daly’s unprecedented performance at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is one for the history books.

Daly, a two-time major champion—a title he earned by winning the PGA Championship and The Open Championship—found himself facing an uphill battle as he teed off for his first round at the Sanford International. The 59-year-old golfer was already struggling a bit before he reached the par-5 12th hole, sitting a frustrating four-over for the round thus far.

As Daly approached the notorious 12th hole, confusion began to unfold. This challenging hole features a long creek running along the left side of the fairway, which only adds to the difficulties faced by players who must execute a precise shot over water to reach the green. Unfortunately for Daly, the series of events that would unfold would surpass any expectation of golfing blunders.

Starting with a wayward tee shot into the rough, Daly’s fate began to spiral as he repeatedly found himself out-of-bounds. In an astonishing yet befuddling display, Daly struck an incredible seven consecutive shots out-of-bounds before finally managing to reach the green. The loud gasps and murmurs from the crowd reflected the disbelief as spectators watched the decline of one of golf’s most colorful personalities.

To make matters worse, Daly did not merely struggle with the water hazards; some of his errant shots veered into the treed areas that lined the left side of the hole. After a grueling ordeal, he finally made it on the green, but not without considerable humiliation. He capped off this chaotic sequence by sinking his first putt, completing an astounding up-and-down needing 19 strokes to finish the hole—a stunning tetradeca-bogey.

Remarkably, this score represents the highest single-hole tally of Daly’s entire career. With his total score skyrocketing to 18-over for the event, the round concluded with Daly carding a total of 88 strokes, leaving him a daunting 24 shots off the lead as he prepared for the second round.

If this score were registered on the main PGA Tour, it would go down in history as tied for the second-highest score on a single hole. Among notable mentions, Daly would share this dubious honor with Hans Merrell—an instructor who took an equal 19 strokes on the 16th hole at Cypress Point Golf Club during the 1959 Bing Crosby National Pro-Am.

Yet, this is not the first time Daly has found his name among the ranks of notorious single-hole scores. His remarkable penchant for misfortune on certain holes has already made waves in golf history. Previously, he registered 18 strokes on the 6th hole at the 1998 Bay Hill Invitational, and he has also had turns tied for seventh and eighth with scores of 14 and 13 strokes at the 2000 US Open and the 2011 John Deere Classic, respectively.

Despite this recent calamity, Daly’s legacy as an iconic figure in the sport remains intact. His whimsical, carefree demeanor has charmed fans for decades, making it difficult to entirely vilify his on-course hardships. However, for fans and players alike, the memory of his 19-stroke horror show at the Sanford International will undoubtedly linger in their minds.

Ultimately, the crux of this golfing saga invokes a larger narrative surrounding the unpredictability of sports. No matter how skilled or experienced a player may be, moments of sheer chaos are always lurking, ready to make headlines and create stories that fans will discuss for years to come. As viewers await Daly’s next showing on the green, one thing remains certain: no one wants to relive such an unforgettable nightmare, but the unexpected nature of golf ensures that anything is possible.

In conclusion, John Daly’s performance at the Sanford International may be etched in the annals of golf history, serving as an example of the sport’s unpredictability. The legendary player’s resilience and personality continue to captivate fans, reminding them that the game of golf is as much about the journey as it is about the outcome. As Daly moves forward from this remarkable episode, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how the sport’s beloved "Wild Thing" will respond to this latest chapter in his storied career.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on this extraordinary event in golf history!