Golf

Kid Rock and John Daly thought they'd be able to take in the Presidential Debate mask-free and within throwing distance from the stage ... until a staffer caught them.

The singer and PGA Pro -- who attended Thursday night's event in Nashville to support President Trump -- first took their seats sans mask. It didn't take long until both men were approached by an employee working the event who had fresh masks for them both.

Both John and Kid Rock finally obliged, we gotta imagine they would've been asked to leave if they refused.

Daly's lack of caution in protecting himself from the disease is a total 180 from his stance back in August when he withdrew from a PGA event in San Francisco because of COVID.

At the time, Daly said, "People keep asking why I WD from PGA??? California now #1 in cases/deaths, I had knee surgery, I’m a diabetic & I don’t feel comfortable flying. Being too close proximity to even small crowds & risk exposure with my health not worth it! God Bess & y’all be safe!"

As if 2020 couldn't get any worse for some people ... here's beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty crushing a golf ball better than you ever will!!!

The video is nothing short of incredible -- the big orange thing took its talents to the driving range to rip some shots recently ... and Gritty unleashed some moon shots.

Seriously, even the golf bros in our office had to admit the mascot hit the ball better than they ever could!!

But, here's where it gets tricky -- some would say, "there's gotta be a PGA pro in that costume, right?!" and brush off the whole thing as a publicity stunt.

That would be easy to believe, except when you watch Gritty celebrate with its signature dance moves, which look very Gritty-esque. 🧐

We're used to seeing Gritty show off clever jabs at enemies like P.K. Subban and the Houston Astros ... but who woulda thought it could grip it and rip it like John Daly?!

Great drive, Gritty ... but how's your short game?!

Charles Barkley has agreed to put his atrocious golf skills on display to the world ... all for a charity match with Peyton Manning, Steph Curry and Phil Mickelson.

Yep, Sir Chuck is replacing Tom Brady for "The Match 3" -- which is expected to raise millions for COVID-19 relief, according to Sportico.

Remember, The Match 2 back in May was a huge success -- with Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning taking on Phil and Tom Brady.

Since TB12 is a little busy these days with the NFL season, Barkley has offered to step in and take his spot.

The only issue ... Barkley is a TURRRRRRIBLE golfer!! Like, super bad!

But, this event will be more about the trash talk than a showcase of Chuck's skills on the links.

Tiger is also out for the event -- he'll be replaced by Steph Curry, who's actually REALLY good.

The Match 3 is set to go down on Friday, Nov. 27 -- and will hope to break the $20 MILLION raised for charity by the Match 2.

Of course, Tom Brady famously struggled most of the way during The Match 2 (even splitting his pants on live TV) ... only to redeem himself with an UNREAL SHOT on the 7th hole!

PGA superstar Dustin Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19 ... forcing the golfer to withdraw from this weekend's PGA tournament in Vegas.

36-year-old Johnson says he experienced symptoms -- and immediately alerted PGA Tour officials so he could be tested.

Obviously, the results came back positive for coronavirus which means he won't participate in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek golf course this week.

Johnson had been the betting favorite this week over guys like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed," Johnson said ... "I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible."

"I have already had a few calls with the TOUR’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me."

Johnson is the 2nd PGA Tour pro to come down with COVID in the past week -- following Tony Finau, who tested positive during PGA Tour on-site testing protocols while gearing up for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.

Tony Finau -- one of the top golfers in the world -- has pulled out of a PGA Tour tourney this week after testing positive for COVID.

"Earlier today, I received a positive result for Covid-19 under PGA TOUR on-site testing protocols and have begun a period of self-quarantine to protect others around me," the 31-year-old said Tuesday.

"I am feeling well, and am otherwise in good spirits.":

Finau -- ranked #16 in the world -- was supposed to play in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas this week ... but obviously, COVID has derailed those plans.

"I look forward to returning to action as soon as I am able, and I wish everyone at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open a great week ahead," Finau said.

The diagnosis could also prevent Finau from playing in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas next week, if he had intended on participating.

Finau -- who's 6'4", 200 lbs -- joined the PGA Tour in 2015 and won the Puerto Rico Open in 2016.

A Colorado golfer nearly died on the 17th hole of a course Saturday ... after an elk rammed the man's cart and gored him straight through his back with its horn.

The story is insane ... Megan Bornhoft says her husband, Zak, was finishing up a round at Evergreen G.C. in Evergreen, Colo. with his buds -- when disaster struck at around 6:30 p.m.

Megan says an elk charged Zak's golf cart ... and speared the man in "the right side of his lower back" with its horn.

Megan says Zak was rushed to the hospital ... and after doctors checked him out -- they found some horrific injuries.

"His kidney was cut into two pieces," Megan said.

To make matters worse ... because of the dirt and bacteria on the elk's horns -- Megan says docs were deeply concerned about possible infection.

Fortunately, Megan claims her hubby -- despite being in a helluva lot of pain -- is expected to make a full recovery.

"The urologist thinks the kidney will be able to repair itself!" Megan said, before adding, "He continues to be in a tremendous amount of pain, but is handling it in true Zak fashion...dry humor!!"

For his part, Zak said of his injuries, "I’m in a little bit of a rough spot, but I’m gonna get through it."

As for the golf course, it issued a statement Monday warning golfers to avoid elk on the course at all costs.

JOHN DALY'S STILL GOT IT!!!

The 54-year-old golf legend stepped up to a tee box in Virginia on Monday ... and sank a crazy hole-in-one -- and he did it all barefoot!!!

The surreal scene was captured on video ... showing JD acing a par 3 at a charity tournament at The Federal Club in Glen Allen, VA. as if he were chillin' on a range in Hawaii.

Check out the footage ... Daly -- sans kicks -- took a little wedge on the 163-yard hole, and fired the ball straight into the cup!!

Everyone lost their minds over the shot ... slapping hands with the former The Open champ -- and Daly nearly dropped an f-bomb appearing to brag about his career hole-in-1 total afterward!

"That makes 11 of them mother --," he said with a laugh before realizing the camera was rollin'.

EPIC!!!

By the way, it's great to see Daly looking good ... he just revealed last month he had surgery to treat bladder cancer -- and it's clear he ain't letting that stop him from being a golf G.O.A.T.

PGA Tour golfer Danny Lee says his 6-putt temper tantrum at the U.S. Open was completely "unprofessional and foolish" ... and now, the guy is apologizing for it all.

If you missed it ... Lee went BERSERK on the 18th hole at Winged Foot on Saturday -- throwing a Happy Gilmore-esque fit on the green.

After Lee missed a short par putt, he missed the ensuing bogey putt as well ... and then became visibly pissed off.

So much so, Lee halfheartedly tried to make his next THREE putts from close range ... before finally slamming home the fourth one.

In total, it took Lee NINE shots to complete the hole ... and when he walked off the green -- he threw his putter angrily against his bag. Lee then withdrew from the tournament, citing a wrist injury.

On Tuesday, the 30-year-old said he was sorry for the whole scene ... explaining, "My frustration took over me and combined with injury I had to fight with it for all week."

"Still just an excuse," Lee said. "I shouldn't left like that... and also like to apologize to USGA they did a tremendous job last week at wing foot. On the course and off the course."

Lee continued, "Now I gonna take some time off and think about what I did and starting next time I'll show up as a better person and have better sportsmanship."

Here's further proof pro golfers are a helluva lot better at the sport than you ... even BACKWARDS!!!

PGA Tour's J.T. Poston found himself in serious tree trouble at the 16th hole at the U.S. Open in NY on Friday ... but, like a serious boss -- he creatively found a way out of it.

Instead of snuggling up next to the base of a tree and trying to hit a regular chip shot ... Poston turned around -- and then fired at the green!!!

And, the craziest part?? THE SHOT WAS GOOD ... the ball rolled up and settled about 20 feet from the cup!!

The bad news ... Poston wasn't able to sink the par putt -- and had to settle for a bogey, moving him into serious danger of missing the weekend's cut.

Donald Trump is an AMAZING golfer. Kim Jong-un loves Dennis Rodman. And, Tom Brady will recover from his poor Week 1 outing ... this according to sports fan Donald Trump!

The President just appeared on FOX Sports Radio's Outkick The Coverage Show hosted by Clay Travis ... and hit everything from college football to the NFL to the PGA.

First ... TRUMP ON GOLF.

POTUS claimed he's shot in the "low 70s" -- a score most pros strive for -- at the impossibly hard Winged Foot golf course in NY ... adding he's done it "quite a bit!"

Of course, the feat -- if true -- would make Donald nearly a scratch golfer ... Winged Foot is known as one of the toughest courses in America, and is expected to give guys like Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson fits this weekend at the PGA Tour's U.S. Open.

In fact, some believe scores in the low 70s might win the whole tournament!!!!

But, Trump insists he's gone that low at the venue several times ... telling Travis on Thursday, "I've been a member there a long time."

Donald has never been shy about boasting about his golf game ... but, remember, PLENTY of people have accused him of shaving strokes around the course.

Celebs like Samuel L. Jackson and Oscar De La Hoya have said he's a big-time cheat ... but, then again, others like John Daly have claimed the President plays straight-up.

Trump also talked about his relationship with Tiger, saying they still golf all the time -- "he's a really great guy."

Trump also says he just loves to be around golfers, because, "I just find golfers to be a very high-quality group of people."

TRUMP ON NORTH KOREA

Trump told Travis that Kim Jong-un is a big fan of Dennis Rodman and he's considered using the NBA legend as liaison ambassador between the U.S. and North Korea.

"I always said Dennis would be better than these stiffs they send over to try to know him," Trump said.

Trump added, "We should use [Dennis] over someone who graduated from Harvard."

TRUMP ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Trump is very proud of helping to resurrect the Big Ten's 2020 football season and says he's now going to focus on helping the Pac-12.

Trump noted the clock is ticking on the conference to save its fall season ... but said he's making a real effort to try to help.

TRUMP ON TOM BRADY

Trump says he watched Tom's Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 -- but isn't losing faith in the QB.

"I did watch Tom. I like Tom a lot. I think he'll be fine -- I guess it was a break-in game."

NOONAN!!!!!

"Caddyshack" star Michael O'Keefe is back on the bag ... the actor who famously played Danny Noonan in the iconic 1980 golf flick is a real-life caddie at the U.S. Open this week!!!

For real!!!!!

Here's the deal ... O'Keefe used to work at Winged Foot Golf Course in N.Y. back in the 1970s before his acting career took off -- and with the PGA Tour's U.S. Open scheduled to play there this year, Michael had an idea.

O'Keefe told the New York Post he wanted to reprise his role as Noonan and hop on a pro's bag ... all in an effort to help raise money for caddies who have been affected by the pandemic.

Of course, no pro was going to let him be their caddie during ACTUAL tournament play ... but O'Keefe at least found a taker for some practice rounds!!

Danny Balin -- a head pro at a local Long Island country club -- offered to let O'Keefe caddy for him Monday and Tuesday ... and the early pics from their outing are priceless.

Check out how Noonan looks today ... not a thing's changed!!!

Balin says he re-watched "Caddyshack" in anticipation of his rounds with O'Keefe ... and promised he'd have all the 1-liners down by the time the two hit the fairways.

Well, we're waiting!!!!

Golf legend John Daly says he has undergone a procedure to treat bladder cancer ... but doctors told him there's a high probability it returns.

54-year-old Daly -- who famously won the PGA Championship in '91 -- says he had been battling back pain and kidney stones in recent weeks.

But, after he passed the stones, Daly was still experiencing pain and doctors ultimately determined he had cancer.

"[The urologist said] it doesn't look like any stones are in there. But unfortunately, you have bladder cancer," Daly told the Golf Channel.

"After I did the CT [scan] I was fixing to sip on my Diet Coke and he said, 'Don't drink anything. We have to get you back in here and get this cancer out of you.'"

Daly says he's already had a surgery to remove the cancer -- but doctors say the fight is far from over.

"[The doctor] said there's an 85% chance it comes back. So, I've got to go back and see him in 3 months. They will probably have to cut it out again," Daly said.

"It's probably going to come back, and then another 3 months that you don't know. You just don't know. Luckily for me, they caught it early, but bladder cancer is something that I don't know all the details. But, it doesn't look like it may go away. We will just see what happens. Maybe, there's a miracle."

Daly says he will fight hard -- and will even change his diet and smoking habits as a result of the diagnosis.

"I'm cutting way, way back on the Diet Coke and counting minutes before I can have a cigarette. I'm trying to quit smoking," Daly said.

President Trump says cops who use deadly force and shoot someone are exactly like nervous golfers who can't sink the last shot ... seriously, he compared the two.

DT sat down for an interview with FOX News' Laura Ingraham Monday night, and while discussing high-profile police incidents lately -- especially with Black men -- Trump brought up Jacob Blake ... saying the officer who fired 7 times might as well have been Tiger Woods on a bad day.

It was so outrageous and tone-deaf, even Ingraham tried to steer him away, but Trump stuck to his guns ... and said cops who use lethal force are like golfers who "choke."

Trump did question whether the Kenosha officer, Rusten Sheskey, could've done something else other than shoot -- like tackling him -- but the comparison he made is still shocking and utterly lacking in empathy. As you know, Blake is paralyzed from the waist down.

WARNING: THIS VID WILL RAISE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE!!!

Here's PGA Tour star Ian Poulter putting a VERY EXPENSIVE Ferrari at risk all for a silly trick shot video ... and it's nerve-racking as hell!!

The 44-year-old golfer -- who made the clip to try to create some buzz for a credit card company -- pulled his whip out of the garage and then took aim at it with a ball and a wedge.

FYI -- the car appears to be a LaFerrari Aperta ... which can cost around $2 MILLION -- and yeah, it's tough not to sweat watching this!!!

Poulter, though, was able to chip the golf ball through the tiny windows on the ride no problem ... and like a boss, he got back in the car, revved it up and took off.

Pretty freakin' cool, huh?!

For his part, Poulter admitted the whole thing was a big-time adrenaline rush ... saying, "How else would I practice playing with Ryder Cup pressure."

Meet Rocco -- a 4-year-old budding golfer who can really drive it and even sink a ball in one shot. Take notice, all you Green Jackets ... this little guy is on the come-up.

Rocco's dad, Mario Figaretti, recorded his boy hitting a hole in one on a par-3 course in Wheeling, West Virginia. That type of course is super kid-friendly ... each hole is basically designed to be a 3-hit deal. One to get it on the green, and a couple puts afterward.

Welp, this little tyke didn't even need those additional strokes ... he hit it off the tee and watched it sail to down below, where it eventually landed and rolled right into the flag and sank. His pops took notice of the amazing trick shot before Rocco did with an awesome freak-out.

Just to confirm he had in fact gotten a hole in one, Rocco ran down to the green himself to confirm ... and sure enough, he pulled it out and showed to the camera from afar.

Of the wild moment, Mario writes ... "HOLE IN ONE!!!! Hole #1 at Oglebay’s Par three course. Rocco = 4yrs old." Mario adds, "He practices all the time In the yard. To say I’m proud would be an understatement!"

BE HONEST -- would you try to get your ball back if a giant alligator tried to steal it off a golf course?!!?

HELL NO, RIGHT!?

That's the question some golfers in Louisiana had to ask themselves after a 'gator tried to join their foursome this week ... and the whole thing was caught on video.

Lane Rodrigue tells us he was playing with friends at the Idlewild Golf Course in Patterson, Louisiana on Monday when  the monster walked right on to the course and snatched up his ball.

The guys were shocked -- and jokingly debated "playing it where it lies" ... but ultimately decided to let the gator keep it as a souvenir. No one got hurt. The gator is fine.

The whole thing harkens back to "Happy Gilmore's" mentor Chubbs Peterson who famously griped that a "damned alligator BIT my hand off" ... "cut me down in my prime!"

RIP Chubbs.