John Daly Jr. is quickly making a name for himself in the world of golf, following the path paved by his famous father, two-time major champion John Daly. While comparisons to his larger-than-life father are inevitable, John Daly Jr. is carving out his own identity as a talented golfer with a bright future.
Daly Jr.’s burgeoning career has seen him achieve significant milestones both in junior and collegiate golf. Notably, he teamed up with his father to secure a memorable victory at the 2021 PNC Championship. The pair showcased exceptional chemistry and skill, setting an event record with a remarkable score of 27-under par over 36 holes. This win wasn’t a one-off; the Daly duo has consistently performed well at the PNC Championship, finishing as runners-up in both 2022 and 2018, demonstrating their strong partnership and competitive spirit.
Transitioning into collegiate golf with the Arkansas Razorbacks, John Daly Jr. has continued to impress. In the 2023-24 season, he participated in eight events, establishing himself as a consistent performer for the team. His scoring average of 71.78 over 23 rounds ranks as the 24th-best season average in Razorback history, highlighting his skill and dedication. He distinguished himself as the only Razorback player to achieve top 20 finishes in his first six events of the year, demonstrating remarkable consistency early in the season. This impressive run included three top 15 finishes, with two of those being top 10 placements. He tied for 11th at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational and followed this with a T-10 finish at the prestigious Jackson T. Stephens Cup, where he shot an impressive 10-under par. Opening the spring season at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate, he secured a T-7 finish and contributed to the Razorbacks’ team victory by firing a season-high 18 birdies. His consistent performance is further underscored by tying for 10th at the Cabo Collegiate, showcasing his ability to compete in diverse and challenging tournament settings. Adding to his accomplishments, John Daly Jr. qualified for the U.S. Amateur in the summer of 2024 after shooting a 68 at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, navigating a 5-for-4 playoff to secure his spot.
Before his collegiate career, John Daly Jr. had already built an impressive junior golf resume. He was recognized as a second-team Rolex Junior All-American in 2021 and an honorable mention in 2020. By August 2021, he held a strong 29th position in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association rankings, and was ranked third among juniors in Florida by the AJGA. In May 2020, he finished as runner-up at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational, a significant event held at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana – the very course where his father clinched his 1991 PGA Championship victory. Throughout 2020 and 2021, he consistently achieved top 10 finishes in AJGA events, including a win at the Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship and a close second place at the AJGA Junior Championship benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation.
John Daly Jr.’s journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s golfing legacy. His father, John Daly, was a Razorback golfer himself from 1984-87 and a two-time major champion. The Daly family’s participation in the PNC Championship is a testament to their shared passion for golf, with seven appearances together, including their memorable 2021 victory and multiple runner-up finishes. As John Daly Jr. continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of golf, carrying forward the Daly name with his own talent and determination.
