Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
John Daly has opened up on the knee injury that forced him to withdraw from The 152nd Open, sharing a photo on the damaged joint on social media.
The 1995 ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’ failed to appear for the second round at Royal Troon, pulling out of the championship after carding an 11-over 82 on day one.
It’s Daly second major withdrawal of the year, after he made a premature exit from the PGA Championship in May.
• This grim stat shows just how tough Royal Troon was on Friday
• These are the only players to make the cut in all four men’s majors in 2024
He hasn’t featured in The Open at the weekend since 2012, and this latest withdrawal has prompted many to openly question whether he should continue to peg it up in the championship.
Taking to social media, Daly explained the circumstances that led to his WD, accompanying it with these two pictures…
“Disappointed on missing out @TheOpen b/c of a knee injury,” said the American. “Watching from afar isn’t the same, but know I tried my heart out to get thru it.
“Was at physio this morning and made the decision to ice & rest it! Thk u to all my fans and @RandA for a week @RoyalTroonGC #IliotibialBandSyndrome.”
• Tiger Woods and the interminable lap of honour
• The curious case of Phil Mickelson at The Open
Iliotibial Band Syndrome, in case you’re wondering, is where a tendon called the iliotibial band gets irritated or swollen from rubbing against your hip or knee bones, leading to often severe pain on the outside of the knee.
Daly is fast running out of opportunities to play in The Open, with his past champion status due to expire following the 2026 championship at Royal Birkdale.
• Keep up-to-date with all of the action from The 152nd Open with The bunkered Podcast’s daily Open Commutes, recorded LIVE at Royal Troon.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
More Reads

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses