John Patrick Daly, born on 28 April 1966 in Carmichael, California, is an American professional golfer best known for his immense driving distance, flamboyant style, and unpredictable career. Raised in working-class surroundings across several Southern states, he discovered golf early and achieved success as a teenager by winning the Missouri State Amateur Championship in 1983 and the Arkansas State Amateur Championship in 1984. Daly attended the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship but left before completing his studies to turn professional in 1987.
He gained early victories on the Southern African Tour and the Ben Hogan Tour before making history in 1991 by winning the PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, a breakthrough that made him an international name. Four years later, he claimed his second major at The Open Championship at St Andrews, defeating Costantino Rocca in a playoff. Known as “Long John,” Daly became the first PGA Tour player to average over 300 yards per drive in a season, achieving this milestone in 1997 and repeating it consistently until 2008.
He won five PGA Tour titles, including his last in 2004 at the Buick Invitational, before moving on to the PGA Tour Champions where he secured a win at the Insperity Invitational in 2017. Despite his talent, Daly’s career was often overshadowed by controversies, erratic performances, alcohol and gambling problems, and high-profile incidents on the course, though he remained a fan favourite for his unorthodox swing and everyman image. Off the course, Daly has run businesses in apparel, golf course design, and endorsements, recorded several country-rock music albums, and even appeared in films and video games. He has supported numerous charities, notably the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and was inducted into the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 2002. In his personal life, Daly has endured struggles with alcoholism, gambling losses exceeding $50 million, health battles including bladder cancer in 2020, and four marriages. Despite setbacks, Daly continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, appear in media, and maintain a strong following, cementing his place as one of golf’s most colourful and unconventional figures.
Early Life and Amateur Career (1966–1987)
Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, John Daly had a difficult childhood, moving frequently with his family across the southern United States. Despite this, he developed a passion for golf early on and began playing at a young age. His amateur career saw rapid success, as he won both the Missouri State Amateur Championship (1983) and the Arkansas State Amateur Championship (1984). Daly went on to attend the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship, where his talent began to shine. Although his time in college was marked by strained relationships with his coaches due to his off-course behaviour, Daly qualified for the 1986 U.S. Open as an amateur, marking the beginning of his journey towards professional golf.
Turning Pro and Early Success (1987–1990)
In the summer of 1987, Daly turned professional, initially competing in smaller events across the U.S. and gaining attention on the Southern African Tour. He won his first professional tournament at the 1987 Missouri Open, and by 1989-90, he had earned success on the Ben Hogan Tour. Notable victories during this period include wins at the AECI Charity Classic in South Africa and the Hollard Royal Swazi Sun Classic in Swaziland. Daly's success continued when he won the 1990 Ben Hogan Utah Classic, marking a breakthrough as he secured full playing privileges on the PGA Tour in 1991.
PGA Tour Breakthrough and Major Wins (1991–1995)
Daly’s life changed dramatically in 1991 when, as the ninth alternate for the PGA Championship, he replaced an injured player and went on to win the event. His victory at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indianapolis was nothing short of spectacular, and his “zero-to-hero” story captivated the golf world. Daly's first-round score of 69, despite not having time for a practice round, led him to finish three strokes ahead of veteran Bruce Lietzke. He became an overnight sensation, winning the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award that same year.
In 1995, Daly earned his second major title, winning The Open Championship in a dramatic playoff against Costantino Rocca at St Andrews. His aggressive style and long driving distances made him a fan favourite and one of the most exciting players on tour. This victory solidified Daly’s status as one of the top golfers of his generation.
Peak of Career and Personal Struggles (1996–2000)
Following his major victories, Daly’s career was a blend of exceptional talent and personal challenges. His powerful driving, which made him one of the longest hitters on tour, helped him lead the PGA Tour in driving distance from 1991 to 2002. Daly continued to be a threat in tournaments, adding notable finishes like T-3 at the 1993 Masters and his 1994 BellSouth Classic win, which he claimed to be his first sober victory. However, this period also marked Daly’s struggles with alcoholism, gambling, and emotional outbursts. He faced suspensions and public scandals, including the infamous 1993 Kapalua International incident, which resulted in a suspension for walking off the course mid-round.
His personal issues affected his performance, and from 1996–2000, Daly experienced a significant decline in his form. His struggles with inconsistency were highlighted by the 18-shot score on a single hole at the 1998 Bay Hill Invitational, and his difficulties in maintaining focus. By 1999, Daly’s drinking problems and financial troubles, exacerbated by gambling losses, became public knowledge, and he lost significant sponsorships. Despite these setbacks, Daly remained a popular figure, known for his talent and larger-than-life personality.
Comeback and More Challenges (2001–2010)
Daly showed signs of a comeback in 2001, winning the BMW International Open in Germany, which was his first European Tour victory in six years. He also had a solid performance on the PGA Tour, finishing in the top-25 several times. However, his form continued to fluctuate, and he was unable to regain the consistency that had marked his early career. Daly's personal life also remained tumultuous, with his gambling addiction continuing to drain his finances. He reportedly lost over $50 million in gambling, which led him to sell property and struggle to meet financial obligations.
In 2006, Daly’s downward spiral worsened as he began to lose his spot on the PGA Tour due to poor performances and only received invitations to tournaments through sponsor exemptions. His final major appearance came in 2005, when he finished T-18 at the PGA Championship, but his days as a major contender were numbered. In 2008, Daly was suspended from the PGA Tour due to an altercation with police in Winston-Salem. At the time, his career appeared to be in freefall.
Late Career and PGA Tour Champions (2011–Present)
By 2016, Daly had turned 50, making him eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, a circuit for senior players. Daly's debut at the Insperity Invitational that year ended in a tie for 17th, but he showed signs of the form that made him a standout player in the past. In 2017, he won his first PGA Tour Champions title at the Insperity Invitational, marking his first tournament win in 13 years.
Daly continued to compete on the senior circuit, although his form was inconsistent. He remained active in promoting golf, his music career, and his business ventures, which included partnerships with Loudmouth Golf Apparel and golf course design. Daly's music career flourished with the release of two albums, and he even appeared in films like Happy Gilmore 2 in 2025.
John Daly’s career transcended the PGA Tour in the United States, with the golfer making a significant impact on the international stage. Known for his long drives and unpredictable play, Daly not only dominated in the U.S. but also gained recognition worldwide through his performances in various international tournaments.
Daly’s international journey began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he made a name for himself on the Southern African Tour and the Ben Hogan Tour. His early victories in South Africa and Swaziland (now Eswatini) helped solidify his reputation as a rising talent in global golf. Daly’s first notable international win came at the AECI Charity Classic in South Africa in 1989, where he edged out Northern Irish golfer David Feherty. He followed this up with another victory at the Hollard Royal Swazi Sun Classic in Swaziland, where he beat established South African golfer John Bland. These wins were a precursor to his international breakthrough on the European Tour.
Daly’s global success was highlighted by his victory at The Open Championship in 1995. This win at St Andrews in Scotland marked one of the defining moments of his international career. Daly triumphed in a dramatic playoff against Costantino Rocca, overcoming difficult weather conditions and a formidable opponent. His long drives and unorthodox style suited the challenge of St Andrews, and this victory made him the first American since Tom Watson to win the prestigious title in over a decade.
In addition to his major championship success, Daly competed regularly on the European Tour throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. His international victories, such as his 2001 BMW International Open win in Germany, further cemented his reputation as a versatile and unpredictable golfer who could compete anywhere in the world. Daly’s first European Tour win in six years came at this event, where he set a tournament record of 27 under par, showcasing his ability to thrive outside the U.S.
Daly’s international career was also marked by wins in South Korea, Turkey, Canada, and Scotland. These victories contributed to his global appeal and allowed him to compete on various tours outside the U.S. Daly also made appearances at major events like the World Golf Championships, where he faced top-tier international players, often drawing attention for his powerful driving and unique personality.
Style of Play
Skills
Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, into a working-class family. His father, Jim Daly, worked in industrial construction, while his mother, Lou Daly, was a homemaker. Growing up, Daly moved frequently, living in small towns across the Southern United States. His father’s long working hours and the family’s frequent relocations had a profound impact on Daly’s childhood, and golf became a way for him to find stability.
His family life was far from conventional, and Daly has often spoken about the emotional toll of growing up in a tumultuous household. Despite these challenges, golf became a constant source of comfort, and he started playing at a young age, eventually achieving success in the sport.
One of the defining struggles of Daly’s life has been his battle with alcoholism, which has had a profound impact on both his career and personal life. Daly has openly discussed his early introduction to drinking, claiming that he began drinking at a young age and struggled with it throughout his career. His drinking problems became widely publicised, especially during the height of his success in the 1990s.
Daly’s struggles with alcohol led to multiple stints in rehabilitation. He was first hospitalized for alcohol poisoning in 1990, and this set the stage for a series of emotional and physical battles with addiction. In 1993, Daly entered alcohol rehab after a series of incidents on the course and a period of heavy drinking, which affected both his performance and his relationships. His time in rehab allowed him to win the 1994 BellSouth Classic, which he later described as his first sober victory.
However, Daly’s struggle with alcoholism did not end there. After a period of recovery, he relapsed several times, particularly during the 1997-1999 seasons. His gambling addiction further compounded his personal issues, leading to significant financial troubles, including losing $50-60 million in gambling. Daly has since described how his father’s own alcoholism and abusive behaviour contributed to his addiction problems, and he has sought to break the cycle for his children.
Daly’s gambling addiction is another dark chapter in his personal life. Known for his high-stakes gambling, Daly reportedly lost over $50 million over a 15-year period. His gambling habits led to a series of personal and financial crises, including the sale of his California home and a Mercedes to cover his debts. Daly has been open about his struggles, admitting that he often placed bets as high as $220,000 on a single hand of blackjack or $50,000 on a football game, though he never gambled on golf. This reckless behaviour, coupled with his lack of financial discipline, led him into serious financial difficulties.
Despite these issues, Daly has continued to work to overcome his problems. In 2006, he revealed the extent of his struggles in his autobiography, acknowledging the pain and challenges that came with his gambling. He stated that he had gambled away millions, but he has since focused on rebuilding his life and career.
Daly’s marriages have been another significant part of his personal life, often making headlines for their ups and downs. He has been married four times. His first marriage was to Dale Crafton in 1987, a hand model from a wealthy family in Arkansas. The couple divorced in 1990 due to irreconcilable differences.
In 1992, Daly married his second wife, Bettye Fulford, with whom he had a daughter. However, their relationship was turbulent, and Daly was charged with third-degree assault for an incident in which he allegedly threw Bettye into a wall. The details of the incident remain unclear, as Bettye did not pursue charges. Daly has denied ever physically harming a woman.
His third marriage to Paulette Dean in 1995 lasted only four years, and they divorced in 1999. Daly’s fourth marriage, to Sherrie Miller, took place in 2001. Their relationship was particularly fraught with problems, including a highly publicised domestic dispute in 2007, where Daly claimed that Sherrie attacked him with a steak knife. The couple separated, and Daly was awarded custody of their son in 2010. Miller faced legal trouble for federal drug charges and was sentenced to prison time.
Daly’s health has also been a significant concern throughout his life. In 1994, he underwent lap-band surgery to help him lose weight after struggling with obesity for years. The procedure led to him losing over 100 pounds, and Daly reported feeling healthier and more physically capable after the surgery. However, his health issues didn’t end there.
In 2019, Daly experienced a near-death scare after being bitten by a brown recluse spider while on vacation in England. The bite led to sepsis, and Daly required emergency surgery. In 2020, Daly was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Fortunately, he underwent successful surgery, but doctors warned him that there was a high risk of recurrence. Daly announced his plans to adopt a healthier lifestyle in order to reduce the chances of relapse.
Despite his personal struggles, Daly has maintained a strong public image and remains beloved by many golf fans. His unfiltered personality, candid admissions, and willingness to share his struggles have made him a relatable figure. Daly is also actively involved in charity work. He has donated to several causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and various golf-related charities. He is known for his efforts to give back to the community, especially in his home state of Arkansas.
In addition, Daly has been involved in charity events and celebrity golf tournaments, where he often plays alongside his famous friends. His larger-than-life personality has made him a popular figure, and he continues to engage in charity work to this day.
Daly is known for his conservative political views and his support of Donald Trump. He has been vocal about his opinions on various issues, including the legalisation of cannabis in his home state of Arkansas, for which he advocated during the 2022 election. Daly believes that legalising cannabis would generate significant revenue and create jobs for the state, and he supported a ballot measure aimed at achieving this goal.
Daly’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary talent and his tumultuous personal life. Known for his remarkable driving distance, which revolutionised the way the game was played, Daly’s contributions to the sport are undeniable. Despite controversies, including his multiple marriages, struggles with alcohol, and large gambling debts, Daly remains a beloved figure in golf. His wild personality, long drives, and unpredictable career made him a cult figure, attracting a fanbase beyond traditional golf enthusiasts. Today, he is still seen as one of golf’s most colourful characters, continuing to compete and entertain in the later stages of his career.
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