You’ve seen him. The loud pants, the Diet Coke, the cigarette dangling precariously, and that unmistakable shock of white hair. But since 2019, there’s been a new permanent fixture in the "Wild Thing" circus: a motorized set of wheels. Honestly, John Daly’s golf cart has become as much a part of his brand as the "grip it and rip it" swing that made him a legend at Crooked Stick.
It isn't just a convenience for him. It’s a lightning rod. Every time Daly pulls up to a tee box in a cart while the rest of the field is trekking through the tall grass, the internet explodes. Some fans love the rebel energy. Others—and some of his peers—think it’s a slap in the face to the "integrity" of the walk.
But there is a lot more than just laziness behind the wheel. The story of why he’s in that seat, and the specific cart he uses, is actually a legal and medical saga that changed how we look at professional golf.
The Medical Reality Behind the Wheels
People love to joke about Daly’s fitness, but the reality is pretty grim. He’s dealing with severe osteoarthritis in his right knee. This isn't just a "my joints are stiff" situation. Daly has been vocal about the fact that his meniscus is essentially gone.
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"I can walk up a hill, I just can't walk down one," he famously said back in 2019. If you’ve ever walked a course like Bethpage Black or Valhalla, you know they aren't flat. They’re brutal. For Daly, walking eighteen holes means the knee swells to the size of a grapefruit after about six.
He didn't just wake up and decide to ride. He had to fight for it. He applied for a medical exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The PGA of America’s medical team had to review his records, X-rays, and history before giving him the green light for the 2019 PGA Championship.
When Tiger Weighed In
The controversy hit a fever pitch when Tiger Woods was asked about Daly’s cart at Bethpage. Tiger, who has had more surgeries than most of us have had birthdays, didn't exactly offer a warm hug.
"Well, I walked with a broken leg," Tiger quipped, referring to his legendary 2008 U.S. Open win.
Ouch.
That quote went everywhere. It fueled the narrative that Daly was taking the easy way out. But Daly fired back, pointing out that everyone’s body ages differently and that the ADA exists for a reason. It wasn't about being "tougher" than Tiger; it was about the physical inability to complete 72 holes on foot without the knee simply giving out.
What Kind of Cart Does He Actually Drive?
When he’s on the PGA Tour Champions (the senior circuit), carts are actually the norm for many players. But for those big Major appearances where he has a lifetime exemption, he’s usually assigned a very specific, stripped-down cart.
The PGA of America typically requires:
- No roof: To keep the visual profile low and less distracting to other players.
- No windshield: Again, keep it simple.
- Strict passenger rules: No, he can't just give his buddies a lift.
- Caddie rules: This is the weirdest part—his caddie usually still has to walk.
Basically, the cart is for him, not his bag. Seeing his caddie, Lance Odom, trudging along with a massive staff bag while Daly zips ahead in a roofless cart is one of the most surreal sights in modern sports.
However, off the tour, Daly doesn't do "simple." He has a long-standing relationship with Streetrod Golf Cars. These aren't your grandpa’s E-Z-GOs. We’re talking custom-built, luxury machines.
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One of his most famous personal rides is a custom Grit B2 "Daly Edition." It’s SUV-inspired, features a custom wrap (usually something loud and American or Razorback-themed), and even has a "frunk" cooler specifically for his beverages. When he’s not in a tournament-mandated cart, he’s riding in something that looks like a miniature hot rod.
The Casey Martin Precedent
Daly isn't the first to do this. He’s actually standing on the shoulders of Casey Martin. Back in the late 90s, Martin sued the PGA Tour because a circulatory disorder made it impossible for him to walk. That case went all the way to the Supreme Court.
The court eventually ruled 7-2 that the "essence" of golf is shot-making, not walking. That ruling is the only reason Daly is allowed to be out there today. Without Casey Martin’s legal battle, Daly would have been forced to retire from Major competition years ago.
Why This Matters in 2026
As we look at the state of the game today, the "cart debate" hasn't gone away. If anything, it’s more relevant as the icons of the 90s and 2000s get older. We want to see these legends play. We want to see Daly "grip it and rip it" one more time.
If a cart is what keeps a two-time Major winner inside the ropes instead of on the couch, most fans are eventually going to get on board. It keeps the history of the game alive and visible.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Golfers
If you're following the John Daly saga or dealing with your own mobility issues on the course, here is how to navigate it:
- Know the ADA Rules: If you have a legitimate medical condition (like Daly’s osteoarthritis), most public and private courses are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations. This often includes "Blue Flag" status, allowing you to drive closer to greens and tees than the general public.
- Look into Custom Carts: If you’re a gear-head like JD, check out companies like Streetrod or Club Car’s custom divisions. You can actually spec out carts with better suspension to save your back and joints.
- Monitor the Champions Tour: If you want to see Daly in his element—where the cart isn't a "scandal" but a standard tool—watch the PGA Tour Champions events. The atmosphere is way more relaxed, and you’ll see the full custom "Daly" style on display.
- Respect the "No Roof" Rule: If you are playing in a high-level amateur tournament with a medical waiver, be prepared for officials to ask you to remove the roof or follow specific paths to avoid "giving an advantage" by scouting the course from a higher elevation.