The 1997 Masters is best known for Tiger Woods’ landmark 12-shot victory. But that was also a year that a true tradition unlike any other started.
We’re talking about John Daly setting up shop at the Hooters right down Washington Road from Augusta National’s gates.
The two-time major champ and his motorhome—which even survived a car crashing into it in 2018—have been a fixture during the week of the year’s first major for nearly three decades. With Daly selling merchandise, signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans—and waitresses through the years.
But, sadly—at least for Daly and his fans—that tradition is coming to an end. The Augusta Hooters location is the latest of dozens of the chain’s restaurants to close its doors after the parent company filed for bankruptcy in March.
Augusta’s iconic Hooters on Washington Road has closed for good. 🍗 After years as a golf week hotspot (and John Daly favorite), the doors are shut amid nationwide cutbacks. End of an era. #AugustaGA #Hooters #RIPWings pic.twitter.com/uYgFmo8LJi
— Eureka Earth® (@EurekaEarthPlus) July 24, 2025
⛳️🍗🍺 #END OF AN ERA — The Hooters restaurant located on Washington Rd in Augusta, has shut down permanently, @WJBF reported today. Since 1997, John Daly has camped out of his RV in the parking lot of the restaurant during Masters week to sign autographs. pic.twitter.com/TJR20LpMPB
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 24, 2025
Truly the end of an era, indeed.
Daly—and his son—have also been longtime ambassadors for the brand. So, we’re not sure where those endorsement deals stand. But we do know for sure that if John Daly wants to make any appearances during future Masters weeks, he’s going to have to move somewhere else down Washington Road.
