In a moment of unprecedented struggle, golf legend John Daly etched his name into the sport’s history books for an unwanted reason at the Sanford International. On Friday, September 12, 2025, during the first round of the PGA Tour Champions event at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Daly carded a shocking 19 on the par-5 12th hole. According to reports from CBSSports.com, this is the highest single-hole score ever recorded on the PGA Tour Champions, overshadowing even Daly’s own previous infamous record.
A Historic Meltdown
The disastrous hole unfolded as Daly played alongside fellow golf icons Angel Cabrera and Robert Karlsson. The Times of India reported that Daly’s troubles began with an errant tee shot, which spiraled into a series of penalty strokes. The lack of ShotLink data, a system that tracks every shot of a PGA Tour player, makes it difficult to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. However, Golf Monthly confirms that Daly incurred an astonishing seven penalty drops, with multiple balls finding their way into the water hazards and wooded areas surrounding the 12th hole.
Daly’s struggles on the 12th are now a part of golf lore, surpassing his previous personal worst of 18, which he recorded on the par-5 6th at Bay Hill in 1998. On that occasion, as on this, Daly repeatedly found the water, demonstrating a vulnerability to demanding water hazards. NBC Sports noted that this latest score has solidified his place in golf history, although perhaps not in the way he would have hoped.
The 12th Hole Debacle
Seven Penalty Strokes
The exact details of the hole are somewhat hazy due to the absence of ShotLink technology at the Sanford International. However, based on reports from multiple sources, including CBSSports.com, Daly’s problems began immediately off the tee. His initial drive landed in a difficult position, initiating a chain reaction of penalty strokes and subsequent recovery attempts.
Reports indicate that Daly repeatedly struggled to clear the water hazards fronting the green. Each failed attempt resulted in another penalty drop, quickly escalating the score. The combination of wayward shots and unforgiving hazards culminated in the unprecedented score of 19 strokes to complete the hole, a testament to the challenges posed by the Minnehaha Country Club course.
Social Media Reactions
The incident quickly ignited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Spectators and commentators alike expressed shock and disbelief at the unprecedented score. Many discussions centered around Daly’s aggressive playing style, which, while often thrilling, can also lead to high-risk situations, as highlighted by Golf Monthly. The score became a trending topic, with fans and analysts dissecting the details and offering their perspectives on the unfortunate series of events.
Daly’s Recovery and Final Score
Despite the disastrous 12th hole, Daly showcased resilience and determination in the remainder of his round. Known for his audacious approach and never-say-die attitude, Daly managed to regain some composure after the setback. According to The Times of India, he made par on the subsequent 13th and 14th holes, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from adversity.
Furthermore, Daly even carded a birdie on the 15th hole, providing a glimpse of the brilliance that has defined his career. However, the damage from the 12th was irreversible. He finished his round with a bogey on the 18th, resulting in an 18-over-par 88 for the round. This score placed him at the bottom of the leaderboard, significantly behind the first-round leader. The single hole transformed his score from a manageable four-over to a distant 18-over, underscoring the impact of a single disastrous hole in competitive golf, as reported by NBC Sports.
Historical Context and Implications
John Daly’s score of 19 on the 12th hole at the Sanford International is not just a personal setback; it is a historical event in the context of the PGA Tour Champions. The score represents the highest single-hole score ever recorded on the tour, setting a new benchmark for struggles on the golf course. This event underscores the challenges and unpredictability inherent in the game of golf, even for seasoned professionals like Daly.
Moreover, the incident serves as a reminder of the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Daly’s ability to recover and continue playing after such a devastating hole is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game. While the score will undoubtedly be remembered as a low point in his career, it also highlights his unwavering spirit and determination, qualities that have endeared him to fans around the world.
Conclusion
John Daly’s unfortunate record at the Sanford International is a stark reminder of golf’s unforgiving nature. The “unprecedented struggle” on the 12th hole, resulting in a score of 19, will be a memorable, albeit unwanted, addition to his storied career. Despite the setback, Daly’s resilience and continued play showcase the spirit that has made him a fan favorite, proving that even the most challenging moments can be overcome with determination.
