John Daly to lose out on $780,000 Masters windfall after iconic venue demolished

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John Daly could be set to miss out on a big payday at the Masters this year.Golfers and patrons are back at Augusta National this week, with play for the 90th edition of the competition set to begin on Thursday, April 9.Daly will likely miss out on a big windfall at the 2026 MastersGettyFor many years, Daly was seen ‘gripping it and ripping it’ as he made his way around the iconic Masters course.But in more recent times, the two-time Major winner has set up shop outside the grounds.John Daly’s iconic Masters routine ruined for 2026 MastersSince 1997, the golf legend has led a unique tradition at a Hooters restaurant close to the Augusta course.Each year, ‘Long John’ would pull up to the parking lot in his RV and sell his merchandise to his adoring fans.Hats, golf balls and boxes of cigars were all on sale, and the star promised to sign anything purchased during his meet and greet just off the I-20.But in 2026, Daly won’t be able to set up shop as normal.The Augusta Hooters, located on Washington Road, was demolished last November.Hooters of America, the company that owns and operates many restaurants, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier in the year and closed around 30 locations across the US.Daly’s iconic tradition is in jeopardy, and the closure of the Augusta restaurant could see him miss out on a lot of money.His team told ESPN that he sold $780,000 of goods in 2024 alone, and that figure could have been topped last year, as heavy rain on the Monday led to a long line at his door.The Hooters where Daly held his Masters meet and greet, has been demolishedGettyThe eccentric golf star has been forced to make alternate plans for 2026GettyEach year at Augusta National, strict rules for patrons mean there are no phones, no cameras, and no cigarettes, in sight.But at the nearby Hooters, the eccentric Daly operated under relaxed rules.“Eat some good food, smoke, sell some s***,” he told ESPN of his annual pilgrimage.While the ‘good food’ is now gone, Daly intends to adapt for the 2026 Masters, and has found a new spot.Will John Daly meet fans at Augusta this year?The Washington Road Hooters has been reduced to rubble, but ‘Wild Thing’ will set up a new base of operations — at Augusta Topgolf.It’s not yet clear if he’ll be able to sell his signed souvenirs there, but Daly will no doubt be snapping photos and showing off his famous swing to all who come and visit.Daly will make his Masters appearance at a nearby Topgolf this yearTopgolf“This week has always been about the fans as much as the golf, and I’ve spent a lot of great nights hanging out with them over the years,” he said, as Topgolf announced the move last month.“This time we’re bringing that energy to Topgolf, where people can grab a drink, take some swings, and just have a good time together.“I’m looking forward to kicking back, meeting some folks, and keeping the party going after the rounds.”Located around five miles from Augusta National, where the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler will battle for the iconic green jacket, Daly will be on site at Topgolf on Thursday and Friday.Daly will set up shop around five miles away from Augusta National in 2026TopgolfIt might not be quite as iconic as the Hooters parking lot, but Augusta Topgolf will no doubt help to keep the Masters party rolling in 2026.Stay up to date with the latest from golf across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.