John Daly has explained the reason why he putts using just one hand to Phil Mickelson

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John Daly is a one-of-a-kind golfer. The Wild Thing has been a unique character since joining the PGA Tour in 1991.

At times, Daly’s exuberant nature overshadowed what an incredible golfer he once was. In his debut year, the Wild Thing won the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club. Four years later, Daly won the 1995 Open at St Andrews, a bucket list moment for any professional.

Furthermore, Daly was the first player to average 300 yards on the PGA Tour and arguably the trailblazer for the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, who are reaching new heights off the tee in 2025. Viktor Hovland’s former coach, Joe Mayo, recently claimed Daly was the most gifted player he’s ever seen.

Since calling time on his PGA Tour career, the Wild Thing has featured on the Champions Tour. However, last year, Daly just played in The Open and PGA Championship.

John Daly explains one-handed putting technique

In recent months, the American has also delved into the world of YouTube golf and featured on Bryson DeChambeau’s ‘Break 50’ series.

What’s more, Daly and his son, John Daly Jr., were the latest pair to take on Phil Mickelson and Grant Horvat in their two-on-two venture.

Those with a keen eye would have noticed Daly putting one-handed throughout the video. Interestingly, the technique wasn’t a gimmick, and the Wild Thing explained why he was implementing the style.

“We are playing him [Rocco Mediate] and Tim Herron. It was three or three years ago, and I shot 65 at Wisconsin and putted one-handed. Rocco goes, ‘I just got beat by a one-handed putting man,’ and Rocco couldn’t believe it,” Daly said.

“I know I am going to follow through, and I know I am going to hit a better putt. That’s why I get a bigger grip; the left arm goes through.”

• READ MORE: What John Daly has told Tiger Woods to do with Charlie Woods which could have him hitting the golf ball further than everybody

Why Phil Mickelson uses claw putting grip

Daly’s technique is actually not too dissimilar to what Phil Mickelson does with the flat stick in hand. The six-time major champ opts to use the claw grip, which is now commonplace on the PGA Tour.

In response to Daly’s comments, Mickelson said: “You’re basically taking the back of your wrist as the face for the target. That’s why I like the claw; it pushes it through without any resistance.”

Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia are other high-profile golfers who have used the claw grip for a considerable amount of time.

Even world number one Scottie Scheffler has used the claw grip at times in 2025. Scheffler’s putting has massively improved since he teamed up with Phil Kenyon.