John Daly II, the son of golf legend John Daly, is a rising star in the world of collegiate and junior golf. Following in his father’s footsteps, Daly II has made a significant impact in the sport, earning recognition for his impressive performances. He achieved notable success in junior golf, including multiple victories on the International Junior Golf Tour and a standout runner-up finish at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational.
Daly II's transition to collegiate golf at the University of Arkansas has been marked by consistent success. He was named SEC co-Golfer of the Week in 2024 after winning his first collegiate title at the Columbia Spring Invitational. Throughout his time with the Razorbacks, Daly II has maintained a solid scoring average and helped lead the team to several victories, including the Palmas de Mar Collegiate. In addition to his individual achievements, he was part of the 2021 PNC Challenge team, winning alongside his father with an event-record score. Daly II continues to build on his early success and is considered one of the promising young talents in the golf world.
Early Career and Achievements
John Daly II, the son of John Daly, a two-time major champion, has already carved out a promising career in golf. He made his mark in the junior golf scene with multiple notable achievements, including being named a second-team Rolex Junior All-American in 2021 and an honourable mention in 2020. By August 2021, he was ranked 29th in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association rankings and third in Florida. Daly II had a series of impressive finishes in the AJGA tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational at Crooked Stick, the site of his father's 1991 PGA Championship win. Additionally, he secured seven top-10 finishes in AJGA events from 2020 to 2021, which highlighted his competitive nature.
College Career at Arkansas
Daly II's journey continued at the University of Arkansas, where he has been a standout golfer for the Razorbacks. In his 2024-2025 season as a junior, he earned SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll recognition and was named SEC co-Golfer of the Week in April 2024. Daly II played in 10 of 12 events, leading his team in scoring with a 72.21 average. His impressive spring campaign included his first collegiate victory at the Columbia Spring Invitational, where he won in a scorecard playoff with a score of 139 (70-69). He also helped the Razorbacks win the Palmas de Mar Collegiate and posted an eighth-place finish at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial. Daly’s success continued with consistent top-10 finishes and high finishes in several other collegiate events.
In his 2023-2024 season as a redshirt sophomore, Daly II posted a 71.78 scoring average and earned SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll honours. He was the only Razorback to finish in the top 20 in the first six events of the year, including three top-15 finishes and two top-10 finishes. Notably, Daly II fired 18 birdies at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate, contributing to the Razorbacks’ victory. In the summer of 2024, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur after surviving a 5-of-4 playoff at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas.
John Daly II has already begun to make a name for himself in the world of international golf, building on the legacy of his father, John Daly, a two-time major champion. Daly II’s early career has seen him compete in a variety of prestigious junior and amateur golf events around the world, where he has displayed a remarkable ability to compete at the highest levels.
Style of Play
Skills
Growing up in a golfing family, Daly II was exposed to the sport early on. His father, John Daly, became a household name after his unexpected victory at the 1991 PGA Championship and his later win at The Open Championship in 1995. Daly II has often spoken about the influence of his father in his life, both in terms of his work ethic and his love for the game. The father-son relationship has also been showcased publicly during events like the PNC Challenge, where they teamed up to set an event-record score of 27-under-par in 2021.
Daly II's close bond with his father, who has been a role model and mentor, has had a significant impact on his development as a golfer. The pair’s shared experiences in the PNC Challenge, where they have participated together multiple times, underscore the supportive and strong relationship they share.
Outside of golf, Daly II has also demonstrated an interest in other activities, particularly sports and fitness. While he is primarily focused on his golf career, he enjoys staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, an essential part of his overall well-being. Like his father, who had a well-documented love for music, Daly II has shown an appreciation for different aspects of pop culture, including music and entertainment. His father's music career and involvement in charity events, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, have also had an influence on Daly II, who shares a sense of philanthropy and community engagement.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Daly II has also focused on his education. He is currently a student-athlete at the University of Arkansas, where he competes on the Razorbacks' golf team. His achievements in golf have not hindered his academic performance, as he earned a spot on the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2024, showing that he values both his athletic and academic development. Daly II's strong academic performance, combined with his talent in golf, suggests that he strives for balance between his education and sporting career.
John Daly II has often been in the public eye due to his father's fame, but Daly II has started to carve out his own identity. He has received attention not only for his performances on the course but also for his personality. Known for his calm and humble demeanor, Daly II has remained grounded despite the fame that comes with being the son of a famous golfer. He has consistently been active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing his journey through junior and collegiate golf, further establishing his presence in the golfing world.
A significant aspect of Daly II's personal life is his deep connection to his father, John Daly. Daly II has often reflected on the positive influence of his father, both on and off the course. John Daly's mentorship and guidance have been crucial in Daly II’s development as a golfer, but the bond goes beyond golf. Daly II has spoken about the values his father instilled in him, such as perseverance, resilience, and the importance of enjoying life. Their shared success in the PNC Challenge and their multiple podium finishes together have further cemented their relationship as not just father and son, but as teammates and golfing partners.
Daly II also shares his father’s commitment to charitable work. His involvement in events like the PNC Challenge highlights his dedication to giving back, as the event has a charitable component. The Daly family has been active in supporting various causes, and Daly II seems to embrace this aspect of their family legacy. He is likely to continue this tradition of philanthropy as his career progresses, understanding the importance of using his platform to make a positive impact.
As John Daly II’s career continues to grow, so will his personal life, which will be shaped by both his father’s influence and his own experiences. Daly II is currently focused on furthering his golfing career, with plans to compete internationally and continue his education. His personal life will likely evolve as he navigates the balance between family, golf, and other interests. While still young, Daly II’s future in golf looks bright, and his personal life will undoubtedly continue to reflect the legacy of his father while allowing him to establish his own unique path in the world of sports.
Daly II’s family legacy in golf is undeniable. His father, John Daly, is a two-time major champion known for his unorthodox style and powerful play, making a lasting impact on the game of golf. As the son of a major champion, Daly II’s legacy is closely tied to this family history. He has the rare privilege of carrying the Daly name in golf, which will continue to attract attention as he develops his career. Daly II’s accomplishments thus far, from winning the 2021 PNC Challenge with his father to claiming his first collegiate win in 2024, showcase his own golfing talent and suggest that he could one day make his own mark in the sport.
While Daly II’s career is just beginning, he has already displayed signs of inherited talent from his father, particularly in his powerful play and aggressive mindset. These traits not only connect him to his father’s legacy but also position him to carve out his own identity on the professional golf circuit, potentially even surpassing his father’s achievements in the coming years.
Daly II’s time at the University of Arkansas has laid the foundation for his golfing career, showcasing both his athleticism and academic focus. His win at the Columbia Spring Invitational and his SEC co-Golfer of the Week recognition reflect his potential to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. His leadership role in helping the Razorbacks win events, including the Palmas de Mar Collegiate, highlights his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to a team’s success. These early wins in college competitions suggest that Daly II could evolve into a prominent figure in collegiate golf before transitioning to the professional ranks, where he could continue to build his legacy.
Daly II is already establishing a reputation for his mental toughness, a critical aspect of his legacy. Much like his father, Daly II has shown the ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure in the face of challenges. His resilience in key tournaments, especially under pressure, is indicative of a future that could be marked by consistent success, even in the most competitive settings. Daly II’s mental fortitude, combined with his natural talent, places him in a good position to carry on his family’s golfing tradition.
Daly II’s legacy extends beyond the golf course. The Daly family has been involved in numerous philanthropic causes, including supporting children’s charities and participating in events like the PNC Challenge, where proceeds go to charitable foundations. Daly II’s involvement in these events, along with his family’s history of giving back, shows that his legacy will not only be defined by his golfing achievements but also by his commitment to making a positive impact on others. This aspect of his legacy, rooted in family values and community involvement, is expected to continue as Daly II grows both personally and professionally.
With the Daly name comes the inevitable pressure to succeed, and Daly II is fully aware of the legacy he inherits. While it can be challenging to step out of the shadow of a father as accomplished and well-known as John Daly, Daly II seems poised to create his own path. The balance between legacy and individuality will be crucial as he navigates the competitive world of professional golf. How Daly II handles this pressure, shapes his career, and continues to build upon his early successes will ultimately define his legacy in the sport.
Daly II’s potential legacy in golf will likely be influenced by his ability to maintain consistency and continue developing his game. The promise he has shown in his junior and collegiate play, coupled with his natural abilities, suggests that he could one day win major titles and become a household name in golf. His driving distance, aggressive play, and resilience are all characteristics that could make him a future contender in the world of professional golf.
As he continues to grow in the game, Daly II has the potential to establish his own identity and contribute significantly to the sport. While his father’s legacy may always loom large, Daly II’s achievements in junior golf, collegiate competition, and eventually on the professional circuit will be the true test of his legacy in the game.
Books
Websites
Articles
Interviews and Documentaries
Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.
