John Daly’s Mount Rushmore of Golf: Nicklaus, Zoeller, Watson, and Palmer

Hard Rock Bet recently sat down with two-time major champion John Daly and asked him to name his “Mount Rushmore” of golfers — and he didn’t hesitate.

“My favorite was always Nicklaus, Fuzzy Zoeller, Watson, Palmer,” Daly said. “Those were the four, that’s the best. They’ve been so great to me when I came on tour.”

For Daly, the choices aren’t just about trophies and records—they’re personal. Each of the four legends played a role in shaping the game he fell in love with.

Jack Nicklaus: The Standard of Greatness

At the top of Daly’s list is Jack Nicklaus, the benchmark by which golf greatness is still measured. Nicklaus’ 18 major championships remain the all-time record, and his dominance from the 1960s through the 1980s set a standard few have approached.

But for Daly, Nicklaus’ impact started long before he ever made it to the PGA Tour.

“Meeting Jack I was nervous because I learned how to play golf from Jack Nicklaus,” Daly said, recalling the famous Golf Digest instructional series from the 1970s. “The 70’s Golf Lesson Tees that came out of Golf Digest—that’s how I learned how to play.”

Nicklaus appeared in the magazine as a cartoon instructor, teaching young golfers the fundamentals: grip, how to shape shots, how to chip and putt. For Daly and countless others, those illustrated lessons were their first coach.

“He was a cartoon character in Golf Digest back then, and I think a lot of kids learned from him that way,” Daly said.

Fuzzy Zoeller: Charisma and Major Pedigree

Fuzzy Zoeller earned his place among Daly’s favorites not only for his talent but also for his personality. Zoeller won two major championships—the 1979 Masters (in his first appearance at Augusta) and the 1984 U.S. Open—and was known for his easygoing style and quick wit.

His ability to win on golf’s biggest stages while remaining approachable made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.

Tom Watson: Clutch Champion

Tom Watson’s résumé speaks for itself: eight major championships, including five Open Championships, and a legendary rivalry with Nicklaus. His near-win at the 2009 Open Championship at age 59 only added to his mystique.

Watson’s consistency, shot-making, and composure under pressure defined an era. For a player like Daly—who appreciates both feel and flair—Watson’s artistry and competitive fire clearly left a mark.

Arnold Palmer: The King

No Mount Rushmore of golf feels complete without Arnold Palmer. “The King” wasn’t just a seven-time major champion; he was the face of modern professional golf.

Palmer’s aggressive style and connection with fans helped transform the sport into a television spectacle. His devoted following, known as “Arnie’s Army,” reshaped the relationship between players and spectators.

Beyond the trophies, Palmer’s charisma and generosity helped grow the game globally—something Daly clearly values when reflecting on the legends who welcomed him when he joined the tour.

Respecting Greatness

Nicklaus, Zoeller, Watson, and Palmer represent different styles, personalities, and eras. But in Daly’s eyes, they share one thing: greatness—not just in how they played, but in how they carried the game and treated those who followed.