Two-time major champion John Daly is relocating his annual Masters week appearance to Topgolf Augusta following the demolition of the Washington Road Hooters.
John Daly is relocating his annual Masters week residency to Topgolf Augusta for a two-night event held Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. The move follows a 28-year tenure at the Hooters on Washington Road, a venue that was demolished last year. This new partnership with Topgolf Augusta places the two-time major champion approximately 5 miles away from Augusta National, situated near the South Carolina border. Daly, who last competed in the Masters tournament in 2006, continues his tradition of meeting fans despite not being in the official field.
During the 2024 Masters week, John Daly generated approximately $780,000 in merchandise sales on the Hooters patio. His inventory included a wide range of price points, such as $10 signed golf balls and $40 hats featuring either an illustration of his face or the phrase "grip it and rip it." High-end items included $250 boxes of his "Short Game" cigars and $100 replica pin flags commemorating his 1991 PGA Championship victory at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana. Fans also purchased various shirts and pictures during his final year at the previous location.
New Venue Details for John Daly Masters Appearances
The transition to Topgolf Augusta marks a significant shift in logistics for the 58-year-old golfer. The facility will serve as Daly's personal "19th hole," where he intends to sign autographs, take photographs, and interact with attendees after tournament rounds conclude for the day. Daly described the atmosphere as a place where people can grab a drink and take swings together, emphasizing that the week has always been about the fans as much as the golf.
In a 2025 interview with ESPN, Daly summarized his daily routine during this week as eating good food, smoking, and selling merchandise. His team confirmed that the energy of the previous 28 years will be brought to the new site to keep the party going. The venue change was necessitated by the removal of the local Hooters establishment, which had served as his primary base of operations for nearly three decades.
Historical Context and Merchandise Revenue
John Daly’s presence in Augusta remains a staple of the season even though his last competitive round at the Masters occurred 19 years ago. His 1991 PGA Championship win remains a focal point of his brand, with replica flags from that specific Carmel, Indiana, event being a top-tier seller at $100. The $780,000 revenue figure from 2024 highlights the significant commercial impact of his unofficial residency.
The specific hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday are designed to capture the crowd leaving the course at Augusta National. By positioning himself at Topgolf Augusta, Daly remains within a short 5-mile radius of the tournament grounds. This proximity allows him to maintain his status as a central figure of the week's social festivities while providing a venue for fans to engage in golf activities themselves.
Fan Engagement and Future Outlook
Daly stated that he has spent many great nights hanging out with fans over the years and looks forward to kicking back at the new location. His commitment to signing any item purchased by a fan remains a core part of his appearance strategy. The move to the South Carolina border-adjacent facility ensures that the "John Daly Masters" experience continues uninterrupted despite the loss of his long-term Washington Road home.
Merchandise like the "Short Game" cigars at $250 and the $40 illustrated hats are expected to remain part of the inventory offered to the public. As Daly transitions his talents to this new environment, the focus remains on maintaining the high-energy fan interactions that defined his previous 28 years in the city. Dave Wilson of ESPN and The Associated Press provided the data regarding Daly's sales figures and scheduling for this transition.
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