‘Twas the night before the PNC Championship and all through an Orlando-area banquet hall … not a golfer, family member or staffer was able to keep a straight face when Long John arrived.
John Daly stole the show at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes in Orlando on Friday night, using his snow-white facial hair and ample belly to produce a spot-on St. Nicholas that spread holiday cheer as well as a few adult beverages.
Daly is part of what’s certain to be an entertaining field at this weekend’s event, one which was originally called the Father-Son Challenge. It has since expanded to include pro golfers and a parent or child. One prerequisite is that each group has a major championship winner.
When he’s not playing Santa Claus, Daly can proudly boast two — the 1991 PGA Championship and 1995 British Open — and he’ll be paired with his son, budding golfer John Daly II. If the elder Daly had any ill effects after Friday’s festivities, he’s had plenty of time to sleep them off as he’s not due on the first tee until 12:06.
Here’s a look at Daly’s fun Friday: