John Daly

John Daly is an American professional golfer known as much for his colorful personality and off-course antics as for his remarkable talent on the course. Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, and raised in Dardanelle, Arkansas, Daly burst onto the golf scene in spectacular fashion at the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club. As the ninth alternate, he drove through the night to reach the course and went on to win the tournament in his first-ever major championship appearance, captivating the sporting world with his booming drives and everyman appeal.

Daly’s second major victory came at the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews, where he defeated Costantino Rocca in a playoff. His prodigious driving distance, often exceeding 300 yards at a time when that was rare, earned him the nickname “Long John.” He won five PGA Tour events during his career and became one of the most popular players in golf history thanks to his approachable personality, love of fast food, and refusal to conform to golf’s country club image. He was the true “people’s champion” of professional golf.

However, Daly’s career has been marked by well-documented personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, gambling addiction, and multiple divorces. He has openly discussed losing tens of millions of dollars through gambling over the years, which has significantly impacted his overall wealth. Despite earning substantial money on the course and through endorsements, these personal challenges have kept his net worth considerably lower than his peers.

In recent years, Daly has competed on the PGA Tour Champions senior circuit and has remained a beloved figure in golf. He has authored books, launched his own merchandise line, and maintained a loyal fanbase through social media and personal appearances. His John Daly brand of clothing and lifestyle products generates steady income. Despite the financial setbacks of his past, Daly continues to earn from golf, appearances, and business ventures, with an estimated net worth of around $8 million as of 2026.