The news surprised many golf fans, especially those who follow John Daly every year at The Masters. His famous hangout spot, Hooters on Washington Road, is now gone after 28 years. But Daly did not stay away for long. He has already found a new place to meet fans and continue his popular Masters week tradition. For years, Daly, now 59, parked his RV outside Hooters, just minutes from Augusta National Golf Club. Even though he has not played in the tournament since 2006, he still showed up almost every year since 1997. Fans came in huge numbers to meet him, take pictures, and buy his merchandise. His presence became part of the Masters experience itself.Last year, Daly told ESPN, “Eat some good food, smoke, sell some stuff.” His team shared that he made around $780,000 in 2024 just from selling items outside the restaurant. These included hats, cigars, signed golf balls, shirts, and special memorabilia from his 1991 PGA Championship win. But things changed when Hooters closed and was later demolished in November. That left Daly without his usual spot just months before the 90th Masters, which begins on April 9.
John Daly shifts Masters tradition to Topgolf after Hooters’ closure near Augusta National
Now, Daly is moving his fan meet-up to Topgolf, a modern driving range about five miles away, near the South Carolina border. He will be there from 6 pm to 9 pm ET on April 9 and April 10, during the first two days of Masters week. Speaking again to ESPN, Daly said, “This week has always been about the fans as much as the golf, and I’ve spent a lot of great nights hanging out with them over the years.”He added, “This time we’re bringing that energy to Topgolf, where people can grab a drink, take some swings and just have a good time together. I’m looking forward to kicking back, meeting some folks and keeping the party going after the rounds.” Even though the location has changed, Daly’s goal remains the same. He wants fans to enjoy, relax, and connect with him during one of golf’s biggest weeks.Meanwhile, the tournament itself will again bring top players into focus. Last year, Rory McIlroy won the green jacket and completed his career Grand Slam, becoming the first European to do so. As the Masters returns, Daly’s new setup shows one thing clearly. The place may change, but his bond with fans stays strong.
