John Daly’s First Trip to Maricopa Not His Last

Top PGA Tour professional John Daly was in town last Friday to help Southern Dunes Golf Club break ground on its new clubhouse. The former PGA and British Open champion liked what he saw and indicated he will be back.

Daly told the crowd “I won’t come just once” and hinted at the possibility of hosting one of his foundation’s events at Southern Dunes in the future. He is also expected to return to the course in January to prepare for the Phoenix Open.

If you wondered who was cruising around Maricopa in a Hummer limo last week, now you know.

Along with course designer and Club president Brian Curley, Garrett Wallace, the Club’s general manager and PGA director of golf, and Rich Zacher of sponsor Zacher Homes, Daly addressed the Club members and guests before the ceremonial first shovel of dirt was moved. “I can’t wait to play the course,” he said. “I hear it’s a tough one.”

He’d have that chance as he played a round, in which he shot a 75, after some very informal bantering with attendees on the practice tee. The intimate setting allowed Daly to solicit questions from guests and provided for some very colorful answers.

After Wallace referenced that Daly was the epitome of the Southern Dunes member, Daly, in one of his many entertaining comments, responded, “I am a red-neck from Arkansas so I guess y’all are too.”

Vice Mayor Brent Murphree, PGA Tour star John Daly and Councilman Kelly Haddad.

“Combined with other members Fred Couples, Mark Calcavecchia and Steve Jones, Maricopa can now boast a golf course with members who include winners of all of golf’s major championships,” said Wallace. “We are building in Maricopa a golf facility that we feel will one day be compared to the likes of Augusta and the country’s other premier facilities.”

Rich Zacher, Garrett Wallace, John Daly and Brian Curley officially break ground on the clubhouse.

Garrett Wallace addresses members, media and guests at the site of the future clubhouse.

Do not try this at home: Daly “grips it and rips it” on the practice tee.

Councilman Haddad and Vice Mayor Murphree with course designer Brian Curley.

Daly is interviewed by Jon Bloom of the “Backspin” radio show (above) and FOX 10 (below).