John Daly Ii, the son of legendary golfer John Daly, is carving his own path in the world of golf, demonstrating talent and potential that echoes his father’s celebrated career. While comparisons to his two-time major champion father are inevitable, John Daly II is proving to be a force in his own right, particularly highlighted by his collegiate achievements and success in team events.
Daly II’s recent performances underscore his growing prominence in the sport. As a redshirt sophomore for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 2023-24 season, he participated in eight events, consistently featuring in the lineup for seven of them. His scoring average of 71.78 across 23 rounds marks him as a significant contributor to the team and ranks as the 24th-best season average in Razorback history. Notably, he was the only Razorback to secure top 20 finishes in his first six events of the year, showcasing remarkable consistency. This streak included three top 15 finishes and two top 10s, signaling his ability to compete at a high level. His achievements include tying for 11th at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational and securing a T-10 finish at the prestigious Jackon T. Stephens Cup with a score of 10-under par (206). He further solidified his spring season start with a T-7 placement at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate, where he also recorded a season-high 18 birdies, contributing to the Razorbacks’ team victory. Adding to his accolades, Daly II demonstrated resilience at the Cabo Collegiate, managing a tie for 20th despite challenging conditions. His summer of 2024 saw him qualify for the U.S. Amateur after shooting a 68 at the Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, further evidence of his ongoing development and competitive drive.
Before his impactful college career, John Daly II had already established himself as a notable junior golfer. He was recognized as a second team Rolex Junior All-American in 2021 and an honorable mention in 2020. His junior career ranking peaked at 29th nationally by the Rolex American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and he was positioned as the third-ranked junior in Florida. A significant moment in his junior career was finishing as runner-up at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational in 2020, held at Crooked Stick – the very course where his father clinched the 1991 PGA Championship. This event featured top high school players nationwide, underscoring the level of competition Daly II was already facing and succeeding in. Between September 2020 and July 2021, he accumulated seven AJGA top 10 finishes, including a victory at the Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship. He also achieved a close second place at the AJGA Junior Championship benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation, losing in a playoff after tying for the lead. Other notable junior finishes include fifth place at the Justin Thomas Junior Championship and the AJGA Junior at Innisbrook, sixth at the Dustin Johnson World Junior, seventh at the AJGA Simplify Boys Championship at Carlton Woods, and sixth at the Jr Orange Bowl Golf Classic. His success extends to the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT), where he secured 10 victories since the 2016-17 season.
One of the most celebrated aspects of John Daly II’s career is his partnership with his father, John Daly, in the PNC Championship. This father-son team has become a fan favorite, known for their dynamic play and heartwarming camaraderie. In 2021, they achieved a historic victory at the PNC Championship, setting an event-record score of 27-under par for 36 holes. This win was a significant highlight, showcasing both Daly’s legendary experience and his son’s emerging talent. The pair has consistently performed well in this event, finishing as runners-up in both 2022 and 2018, and securing other top placements in previous years, demonstrating their strong partnership and competitive spirit in a unique family format. The Daly duo’s consistent presence and success at the PNC Championship have solidified their place as a compelling narrative in golf, blending family legacy with present achievements.
John Daly II is not just riding on the coattails of his father’s fame; he is actively building his own legacy in golf. His accomplishments in junior and collegiate golf, combined with his memorable performances alongside his father, indicate a promising future. As he continues to develop his game, John Daly II is certainly one to watch in the evolving landscape of golf, carrying forward a celebrated name while forging his own identity and success.
