John Daly lands £600k Augusta payday - despite not even playing at the Masters

John Daly hasn't played at in the best part of two decades, but has raked in a tidy US$780,000 (close to £600,000) for an appearance at Augusta this year. Once again, the former and champion isn't out on the course, but restaurant chain Hooters is responsible for his hefty pay packet.

Daly's best ever Masters finish came back in the 90s, when he tied for third. He was most recently part of the field in 2006, when he failed to make the cut.

Around a mile from the course where and others will battle it ouf for glory on Sunday, Daly has been at the local branch of Hooters for what has become an annual meet-and-greet. The restaurant chain is best known for its scantily-clad servers, but this week it's all about Daly and his fans.

Speaking to , the veteran pro said his goal for the week was to "Eat some good food, smoke, sell some s***." His team estimated he made around $780,000 last year, and he continues to sell items such as cigars and signed balls

"The people come here and it's like the first time to Disney with him," Daly's caddy Lance Odom said. "Each person that comes up, they have a story. It's like being with Michael Jordan. You can't go to the gas station without people coming up."

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Daly became a cult figure on the tour for his dress-sense and off-course activities as well as his great achievements on it. The California-born star, nicknamed 'Wild Thing', won the US PGA in 1991 and the Open four years later, beating Constantino Rocca in a play-off at St Andrew's.

He has also been candid about alcohol issues over the course of his career. He spent time in alcohol rehab on more than one occasion, .

In this year's Masters tournament, on a score of -12 ahead of the final day. It is the only major missing from the 35-year-old's collection, with his best result being a runner-up finish in 2022.

Bryson DeChambeau is in second spot, two strokes back, with Corey Conners a further two shots back in third. Defending champion goes into Sunday's action on -5, after an even par round on Saturday.

"I think the big thing is to not make it a re-match," said McIlroy, who was pipped by DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open. "Stay in my own little . Stay in my cocoon, in my little bubble. Keep my head down.

"I have to put myself in my own world and concentrate on myself and set myself a score. If I can set myself a target and achieve it, hopefully that will be enough."