John Daly’s son, John Daly Jr., is carving his own path in the world of golf, stepping out from under the shadow of his famous father, the legendary two-time major champion. While he shares the same name and a striking resemblance to his dad, Daly Jr. is proving he’s more than just a namesake, establishing himself as a formidable golfer with a bright future. This article delves into the burgeoning career of John Daly Jr., highlighting his achievements and potential in the competitive landscape of golf.
Early Success and the PNC Championship Spotlight
John Daly Jr. first captured widespread attention when he teamed up with his father at the PNC Championship, a unique tournament that pairs major champions with family members. In 2021, the father-son duo achieved a remarkable victory, winning the PNC Championship with a record-setting score of 27-under par for 36 holes. This impressive performance showcased not only the undeniable chemistry between the Dalys but also the exceptional talent of young Daly Jr. Their remarkable play captivated audiences and cemented their place as a fan-favorite team. The pair has consistently been a strong contender in the PNC Championship, having also secured runner-up positions in 2022 and 2018, demonstrating their enduring competitiveness in the event.
Alt text: John Daly and John Daly Jr. celebrate their victory at the PNC Championship, showcasing their close bond and golfing talent.
Collegiate Career at Arkansas: A Razorback in the Making
Continuing his development as a golfer, John Daly Jr. joined the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, the same program his father represented in his college years. During the 2023-24 season, as a redshirt sophomore, Daly Jr. participated in eight events, consistently featuring in the lineup for seven of them. He maintained an impressive scoring average of 71.78 across 23 rounds, a figure that ranks as the 24th-best season average in Razorback history. Notably, he was the only Razorback golfer to achieve top 20 finishes in his first six events of the year, demonstrating remarkable consistency early in the season. This streak included three top 15 finishes and two top 10 performances.
His standout performances during the season include tying for 11th at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational and securing back-to-back top 10 finishes at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup (T-10) and the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate (T-7). At the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate, he recorded a season-high 18 birdies, contributing significantly to the Razorbacks’ team victory. Further demonstrating his all-around game, he achieved a season-high 39 pars at the Cabo Collegiate. Adding to his growing list of accomplishments, Daly Jr. qualified for the U.S. Amateur in the summer of 2024 after shooting a 68 at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas and navigating a 5-for-4 playoff.
Alt text: John Daly Jr. in action representing the Arkansas Razorbacks golf team, highlighting his skill and dedication to collegiate golf.
Junior Golf Prowess: Building a Foundation
Prior to his collegiate success, John Daly Jr. had already established himself as a highly-ranked junior golfer. He was recognized as a second-team Rolex Junior All-American in 2021 and an honorable mention in 2020. By August 2021, he held the 29th position in the prestigious Rolex American Junior Golf Association rankings, and was ranked as the third-best junior golfer in the state of Florida by the AJGA.
His junior career was marked by consistent high finishes in AJGA events. In May 2020, he finished as runner-up at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational, played at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana, a location with special significance as the site of his father’s 1991 PGA Championship victory. Between September 2020 and July 2021, he achieved seven AJGA top 10 finishes, including a victory at the Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship and a close second-place finish at the AJGA Junior Championship benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he lost in a playoff after tying for the lead. He also secured impressive finishes at events like the Justin Thomas Junior Championship, the AJGA Junior at Innisbrook, and the Dustin Johnson World Junior, consistently demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. Furthermore, Daly Jr. accumulated 10 wins on the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) since the 2016-17 season, further solidifying his junior golf achievements.
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
John Daly Jr. is undoubtedly making his own name in golf. However, the influence of his father, John Daly Sr., is undeniable. The elder Daly, a Razorback alumnus himself (1984-87) and a two-time major champion, provides both inspiration and guidance. The Daly family’s participation in the PNC Championship is a testament to their shared passion for golf and the strong bond between father and son. With a supportive family background and a growing list of accomplishments, John Daly Jr. is poised to continue his ascent in the world of golf, potentially reaching even greater heights in the years to come.
Alt text: John Daly Jr. and his father John Daly Sr. walking together on a golf course, illustrating the legacy and mentorship within their golfing family.
