John Daly Cards Catastrophic 19 on Single Hole at Sanford International
John Daly, known for his powerful drives and occasionally high scores, recorded a staggering 19 on a single hole during the first round of the PGA Tour Champions' Sanford International. The unfortunate event occurred on the par-5 12th hole at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Friday.
The Unraveling on the 12th Hole
Daly's troubles began on the 12th tee. The hole, featuring water bisecting the fairway and a wooded area left of the green, proved to be a nightmare for the 59-year-old. According to reports, Daly took seven penalty drops, ultimately leading to a score of 19, an astonishing 14 over par on a single hole. While PGA Tour Champions doesn't have ShotLink, it was recorded that his tee shot landed in the rough before the penalty strokes accumulated.
Daly's Resilience and the Record Books
Despite the disastrous 12th, Daly persevered, completing the round with an 18-over-par 88. He even managed a birdie on the 15th hole. This round places him in last place, nine shots behind the next closest competitor. The '19' is believed to be Daly's highest single-hole score in his competitive career, surpassing an '18' he carded at the 1998 Arnold Palmer Invitational. The previous PGA Tour Champions record for the highest score on a single hole was '16'.
Historical Context and Implications
Daly is no stranger to high scores. His '19' at the Sanford International serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of golf, even for seasoned professionals. While he battled through the round finishing with a birdie on 15, this record-breaking score highlights the fine line between triumph and disaster on the golf course.
