So far as we know, John Daly never has been afraid of dying. He probably wasn’t even petrified. That’s why it might be time for Fuzzy Zoeller to pay up.
Daly celebrated his 50th birthday Thursday, and the hard-partying golfer marked the occasion by recounting a bet he made with fellow pro Fuzzy Zoeller a long time ago. Daly told USA Today that Zoeller wagered $150,000 that he would die before his 50th birthday, given his affinity for drinking, smoking and eating … a lot.
“Fuzzy’s going to owe me $150 grand,” Daly said. “I don’t know if he remembers that bet or not, but I’ll get that cash from him hopefully.
Daly claims he and Zoeller made the bet at Augusta National during the week leading up to the Masters. The exact year is anyone’s guess.
“I think it was Tuesday morning and we played nine holes and went to T-Bonz (restaurant) and had some lunch,” Daly said. “Next thing I know, we were in the same clothes playing Wednesday at 7:30 in the morning and the par-3 tournament. We stayed through the whole nine (holes), drinking, having a good time and eating.
“Fuzzy said, ‘I got $150 grand you’re never going to make it to 50.’ ”
You probably want Zoeller to pay up right about now, but there’s a problem. The two never shook on the bet.
“So I won’t hold him up to it,” Daly said. “I’ll just have him give me a free bottle of his vodka. That’s about it.”
Not every bet is made to be settled, even the ones between rich and famous.
Happy birthday anyway, John Daly.
Thumbnail photo via Thomas J. Russo/USA TODAY Sports
