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I’m going to have to start this post with an apology. Over the last handful of years, I’ve been compiling our annual list of tributes for golf greats who have passed away. We lost some icons this year, from Judy Bell to Fuzzy Zoeller to Kultida Woods. Unfortunately, I forgot to add a critical figure that looms over Masters history and had become a home away from home for golf legend John Daly:
The Augusta Hooters at 2834 Washington Rd.
Not only was the vaunted restaurant closed in 2025, but it was eventually demolished, ensuring that no Masters patrons will be able to devour Hooters Daytona Beach® Style Wings in between rounds. As many are aware, Daly was known for camping out at the chain restaurant, signing merch, selling cigars and perhaps even having a drink or two. This was a hell of a loss for the 59-year-old, but as always, Daly has found a solution.
The Masters is three months away; however, Daly has already announced that he’ll be teaming up with Top Dawg Tavern, also on Washington Road. The site is just a few hundred feet away from the decimated Hooters, which is a beautiful tribute from one of golf’s most illustrious figures.
Top Dawg Tavern is a self-described “casual tavern featuring fried eats, burgers and wings,” so it’s not too difficult to imagine Daly setting up shop there.
John Daly has been an Augusta staple, posting up in his RV in the Hooters parking lot since 1997. We’re glad to see that Daly won’t let late-stage capitalism slow him down. The man wants to kick it with lucky golf nerds and Georgia locals for a week or so every April, and doggone it, he’ll find a way!
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Main Image: David Berding
