John Daly Reignites Feud with Curtis Strange in Explosive Live Broadcast: Golf’s Rebel Strikes Again

In a sport renowned for its decorum and measured restraint, John Daly has once again proven that he operates by his own rules. On a recent live television broadcast—amid the buildup to the early 2026 PGA Tour events—Daly unleashed a torrent of unfiltered candor that reignited his decades-long tensions with two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange. The exchange, captured during a pre-tournament panel discussion on a major golf network, sent shockwaves through the golf community, highlighting the persistent divide between the PGA Tour’s traditional establishment and its free-spirited outsiders.

The moment unfolded when Strange, serving as a commentator, probed Daly about his views on the modern game and the pressures facing today’s players. What started as seemingly innocuous banter quickly turned personal. Daly, never one to mince words, fired back with pointed references to their past clashes, accusing Strange of hypocrisy and lingering resentment from their amateur days and early professional encounters. “You still think you’re the king of the hill, Curtis? Some things never change,” Daly reportedly said, his gravelly voice dripping with sarcasm.

The studio atmosphere grew thick with discomfort as Daly doubled down, dredging up old grievances about perceived slights, media favoritism, and the “old guard’s” resistance to players who didn’t fit the polished mold.

Strange, visibly taken aback but maintaining his composure, attempted to steer the conversation back to golf fundamentals. Yet Daly pressed on, his remarks laced with the raw honesty that has defined his career. The segment ended abruptly as producers cut to commercial, but not before Daly’s parting shot echoed: a blunt dismissal of Strange’s criticisms over the years. Social media erupted immediately, with clips circulating virally and hashtags like #DalyVsStrange trending. Fans were divided—some praised Daly for speaking truth to power, while others decried it as unnecessary drama.

This latest flare-up is emblematic of Daly’s entire journey in golf: a career built on defiance, talent, and an unapologetic refusal to conform. Born in Carmichael, California, but raised in the small town of Dardanelle, Arkansas, Daly’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. He turned professional in 1987 after a solid but unspectacular amateur career, grinding through mini-tours and qualifiers. His breakthrough came in dramatic fashion at the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana.

Entering as the ninth alternate after several withdrawals, Daly drove through the night from Memphis, arrived with no practice rounds, and proceeded to win the tournament by three strokes over Nick Price. It remains one of the most improbable victories in major championship history—a true underdog triumph that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

That win catapulted Daly into the spotlight, but it also set the stage for a career filled with highs and lows. He added a second major title at the 1995 Open Championship at St. Andrews, where his booming drives and fearless play suited the links perfectly. Yet alongside these triumphs came a litany of controversies. Daly amassed a lengthy disciplinary record with the PGA Tour, including multiple suspensions and fines for conduct ranging from equipment abuse to public outbursts. His personal life has been equally turbulent, marked by battles with alcohol, multiple divorces, and well-documented struggles with addiction.

One of the most staggering revelations came when Daly openly admitted to losing an estimated $55 million to gambling between 1991 and 2007. In interviews, he described marathon sessions at slot machines and casinos, where bets escalated into the tens of thousands per hand or pull. “I was shocked,” he once said of tallying the figure. “I thought it might have been $20 or $25 million, but $55 to $57 million—it’s crazy.” This candor about his demons has humanized him for many, turning a polarizing figure into a relatable cautionary tale and symbol of resilience.

The golf establishment’s relationship with Daly has always been strained. Despite his two majors and 12 PGA Tour victories (including five on the Champions Tour later in his career), he was never selected for a U.S. Ryder Cup team—a glaring omission that many attribute to his rebellious persona clashing with the selection committee’s preference for team-oriented, low-drama players. Traditionalists like Strange, a product of the more buttoned-up era of the 1980s and 1990s, have often viewed Daly’s style as disruptive. Strange’s past comments, including suggestions that Daly should “crawl under a rock” during earlier controversies, have fueled the mutual animosity.

This generational contrast is perhaps best illustrated by Daly’s dynamic with Tiger Woods. While Woods represents discipline, precision, and meticulous preparation—the archetype of modern golf excellence—Daly embodies instinct, raw power, and living in the moment. Their relationship has evolved from early rivalries to mutual respect. In recent years, Daly revealed that Woods personally apologized to him during a dinner, clearing up old misunderstandings. The two now text occasionally, a quiet acknowledgment that beneath the surface differences lies shared admiration for the game. Daly has spoken warmly of Woods’ dominance while maintaining his own unorthodox approach.

Adding layers to Daly’s character are his genuine friendships, particularly with broadcaster David Feherty. The two have bonded over shared battles with addiction and mental health challenges. Feherty, known for his own candid discussions about bipolar disorder and recovery, has provided Daly a supportive outlet. Their interactions—whether on air or off—reveal a more vulnerable side to Daly, one that contrasts sharply with his bombastic public image. Through these relationships, Daly demonstrates that even in the midst of chaos, human connection and accountability matter.

Daly’s legacy extends far beyond the course. He remains a fan favorite for his authenticity—wearing loud pants, chomping on cigarettes (in his earlier days), and driving his iconic bus emblazoned with his nickname “Long John.” Charity work, including support for addiction recovery programs, and unexpected viral moments keep him relevant. His involvement in projects like a cameo in the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2 underscores his enduring pop-culture appeal.

As golf navigates its own evolution—amid LIV Golf disruptions, technological advances, and shifting player expectations—Daly stands as a reminder that the sport was built by characters, not conformists. In an era where athletes are often polished brands, his willingness to embrace imperfection resonates deeply. Fans see in him the underdog who refuses to fade, the guy who wins majors while battling personal storms, and the voice that calls out what others whisper.

Decades after his 1991 miracle, John Daly’s story continues to unfold. At 60 years old in 2026, he still competes on the PGA Tour Champions, mentors his son John Daly II (a rising talent in his own right), and draws crowds wherever he goes. His recent broadcast clash with Strange may reignite old debates, but it also reaffirms his status as golf’s ultimate rebel. In a world that often demands restraint, Daly proves that passion, heart, and unvarnished truth can leave an indelible mark.

Success, Daly teaches us, isn’t measured solely by trophies or approval from the elite. It’s about showing up as yourself, owning your mistakes, and inspiring others to do the same. John Daly isn’t just a golfer—he’s a living testament to resilience, authenticity, and the enduring power of the underdog spirit in a sport that sometimes forgets its roots.