John Daly in 2025: Net Worth, Health, Career & Latest Updates

John Daly is one of the most colorful players in golf history. Nicknamed “Long John” for his powerful drives, he became famous for winning two majors, wearing loud clothes, and living a very public life. Daly’s story is full of wins, struggles, comebacks, and headlines.

In 2025, at 59 years old, Daly is still competing on the PGA Tour Champions. His career shows that golf is not just about trophies—it’s also about personality, resilience, and connecting with fans.

Biography

Early Life and Education

John Daly was born in Carmichael, California, and raised in Arkansas and Missouri. His childhood was filled with sports, but golf quickly became his passion.

In 1983, he won the Missouri Amateur Championship, followed by the Arkansas Amateur Championship in 1984. He attended the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship, where his fearless long-hitting style started to gain notice.

Career

John Daly turned professional in 1987. Four years later, he shocked the sports world by winning the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth alternate. He had joined the field at the last minute, but his fearless swing and 300-yard drives carried him to victory.

In 1995, Daly won his second major, The Open Championship at St Andrews, beating Costantino Rocca in a playoff. These two wins made him a global star.

Daly became the first PGA Tour player to average over 300 yards per drive in a season (1997), and fans loved his bold style. He later won the 2004 PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year award.

After joining the PGA Tour Champions in 2016, Daly won the 2017 Insperity Invitational. In 2025, he still plays on the senior circuit, though health struggles have slowed him down. In September 2025, Daly hit headlines again when he made a score of 19 on one hole at the Sanford International.

He has also explored other areas—releasing country music albums, designing golf courses, launching products, and even appearing in the 2025 film Happy Gilmore 2.

Personal Life and Relationships

John Daly’s personal life has been full of ups and downs. He has been married four times and is now engaged to Anna Cladakis, his longtime partner.

In 2020, Daly announced he had bladder cancer. He went through surgery and treatment, and by 2025 he reported being in remission.

His health problems didn’t stop there. In early 2025, he underwent emergency hand surgery to repair damaged tendons. He revealed that it was his 16th surgery in four years, and in March he said his hand was only at 80% strength, making putting and short shots difficult.

Despite his challenges, Daly remains close to his family. His son, John Daly II, plays competitive golf and represented the Arkansas Razorbacks, following in his father’s footsteps.

John Daly Net Worth

As of 2025, John Daly’s net worth is about $2 million. This may seem low compared to other golf legends, but Daly has lived a very different life.

Reasons for lower net worth:

• Gambling losses: Daly admitted losing between $50–60 million gambling over the years.

• Divorces: His four marriages have cost him significant amounts.

• Medical bills: Multiple surgeries and treatments have added up.

Current income sources:

• Playing on the PGA Tour Champions.

• Endorsements with brands like Wilson Sporting Goods and Loudmouth Golf.

• Business ventures like merchandise, drinks, and music projects.

Net Worth Comparison with Other Golf Stars (2025)

This shows the huge gap between Daly and other stars. While others built fortunes, Daly’s lifestyle and choices left him with a much smaller figure.

7 Interesting Facts about John Daly

1. He is the only golfer to win two majors but never play in the Ryder Cup.

2. He was the first PGA Tour player to average over 300 yards per drive.

3. His Loudmouth Golf pants became iconic.

4. Daly has released country music albums and toured as a singer.

5. He won The Open Championship at St Andrews, the “home of golf.”

6. In 2025, he carded a 19 on a single hole, shocking fans worldwide.

7. He appeared as himself in Happy Gilmore 2 (2025).

Current Status and Future Plans

In 2025, Daly is still active on the PGA Tour Champions. His results have been modest since hand surgery, with low finishes at several events. He also chose not to play the 2025 PGA Championship, despite having a lifetime exemption, because of a conflict with a senior tour major.

Daly has said he wants to keep competing as long as his body allows. Beyond golf, he plans to spend time with family, support his son’s career, and continue his side projects in music and entertainment.

Social Media Presence

Daly is very active online and loves connecting with fans:

• X (Twitter):@PGA_JohnDaly – over 600,000 followers.

• Instagram:@pga_johndaly – shares golf clips, family photos, and personal updates.

Conclusion

John Daly’s career is unlike any other in golf. He rose from obscurity to win two majors, became a symbol of raw power, and lived a life full of drama and honesty.

In 2025, at 59 years old, Daly is still competing, still entertaining, and still loved by fans. His story reminds us that greatness in sports is not just about numbers—it’s also about personality, struggle, and resilience.

FAQs

Q1: How many majors has John Daly won?
A: Two — the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship.

Q2: What is John Daly’s net worth in 2025?
A: About $2 million.

Q3: Is John Daly still playing golf?
A: Yes, he plays on the PGA Tour Champions but with limited success in 2025.

Q4: Is John Daly married?
A: No. He has been married four times and is now engaged to Anna Cladakis.

Q5: What health problems has he faced?
A: Bladder cancer (in remission), diabetes, knee replacements, and multiple hand surgeries.

Q6: Why is he called “Long John”?
A: Because of his powerful long drives that amazed fans.

Q7: What else does Daly do besides golf?
A: He records music, appears in movies, sells products, and supports his son’s golf career.