John Patrick Daly Ii is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of golf, stepping out from under the shadow of his famous father, two-time major champion John Daly. While proudly carrying on the Daly golfing legacy, John Patrick Daly II, often referred to as John Daly Jr., is forging his own path with impressive performances in junior, amateur, and collegiate golf. This profile explores the burgeoning career of this talented young athlete, highlighting his key achievements and potential.
Early Career and Junior Golf Prowess
Before joining the collegiate ranks, John Patrick Daly II established himself as a force to be reckoned with in junior golf. His accolades include being named a second team Rolex Junior All-American in 2021 and an honorable mention in 2020. The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) recognized his talent, ranking him as high as 29th nationally and 3rd in the state of Florida.
Daly Jr.’s junior career was marked by consistent top finishes in prestigious tournaments. Notably, he finished as runner-up at the Dye Junior Golf Invitational in 2020, held at the iconic Crooked Stick Golf Club, the very place where his father clinched the 1991 PGA Championship. Between September 2020 and July 2021, he secured an impressive seven AJGA top-10 finishes. These included 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. Other notable performances include fifth-place finishes at the Justin Thomas Junior Championship and the AJGA Junior at Innisbrook, showcasing his ability to compete against top-tier junior talent.
Adding to his junior achievements, John Patrick Daly II also excelled on the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT), winning 10 events since the 2016-17 season. These victories, along with consistent high finishes in other IJGT events, solidified his reputation as a rising star in junior golf circles.
Collegiate Career at the University of Arkansas
John Patrick Daly II took his talents to the University of Arkansas, joining the Razorbacks golf program, his father’s alma mater. During the 2023-24 season as a redshirt sophomore, he played in eight events and became a consistent presence in the Razorbacks’ lineup. His scoring average of 71.78 over 23 rounds is the 24th-best season average in Razorback history, demonstrating his immediate impact on the team.
That season, John Patrick Daly II was the only Razorback golfer to achieve top-20 finishes in his first six events, highlighting his remarkable consistency. This streak included three top-15 finishes and two top-10s. He tied for 11th at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational and followed that with a T-10 finish at the prestigious Jackson T. Stephens Cup, where he shot a 10-under-par 206 (70-67-69). He continued his strong play into the spring season, securing a T-7 finish at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate, contributing to the Razorbacks’ team victory. At Palmas Del Mar, he carded a season-high 18 birdies, showcasing his aggressive and scoring-oriented style of play. His consistent performance earned him recognition on the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll. Further demonstrating his commitment to improvement, John Patrick Daly II qualified for the U.S. Amateur in the summer of 2024 after shooting a 68 at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas.
PNC Championship Success with John Daly
One of the most heartwarming and widely recognized aspects of John Patrick Daly II’s career is his partnership with his father, John Daly, in the PNC Championship. This annual tournament pairs major champions with a family member, and the Dalys have become fan favorites. In 2021, the father-son duo achieved a historic victory, winning the PNC Championship with a record-setting score of 27-under par for 36 holes. Their remarkable performance captivated audiences and showcased both their individual skills and their special bond. The Dalys have consistently contended at the PNC Championship, finishing as runners-up in both 2022 and 2018, and consistently placing within the top 10 in other years, demonstrating their strong chemistry and competitive spirit in this unique event.
A Bright Future Ahead
John Patrick Daly II is more than just the son of a famous golfer; he is a talented and dedicated athlete in his own right. His junior and collegiate achievements, combined with his memorable performances alongside his father at the PNC Championship, point towards a promising future in professional golf. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, John Patrick Daly II is poised to further etch his name in the golfing world and build upon the Daly legacy.
