John Daly Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is John Daly’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?

With a net worth of $2 million, John Daly is an American professional golfer. Although it should be significantly higher, he has openly acknowledged losing tens of millions over the years, primarily due to a serious gambling addiction, in addition to several divorces. Details on his gambling losses follow in the subsequent section.

Turning professional in 1987, John secured his first major title at the PGA Championship in 1991. He claimed his second major victory at the 1995 Open Championship. Over his career, Daly has celebrated five PGA Tour wins and three European Tour titles. However, despite his extraordinary talent, he has faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol and gambling, which have frequently overshadowed his successes on the golf course and resulted in a tumultuous career. Known for his unconventional appearance, Daly often wears flamboyant clothing and sports long hair. His powerful playing style and ability to drive the ball long distances have earned him the nickname “Long John.”

Gambling Losses

In 2006, Daly recounted in his autobiography his struggles with gambling addiction. This issue has dramatically impacted his net worth, with John estimating that he has lost over $55 million throughout his life. While he initially lost $90 million, he managed to win back about $35 million, bringing his net losses to approximately $55 million.

He recalled a particular incident in October 2005 when he lost $1.5 million while playing a slot machine in Las Vegas.

Early Life

Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, John Patrick Daly grew up in a middle-class family and frequently moved across different southern states during his childhood. After settling in Arkansas, he began playing golf inspired by Jack Nicklaus and took his golfing ambitions seriously, winning several championships as a teenager.

Career

John Daly turned professional in 1987, achieving his first victory at the Missouri Open that same year. He won the Ben Hogan Utah Classic in 1990, and by 1991, he had captured his first PGA Championship, which created a significant buzz in the golfing world as he was considered a considerable underdog. Following a solid 1992 season, Daly placed third in the Masters Tournament in 1993. However, in 1994, he was suspended for leaving the course mid-round, which led him to enter rehab for alcohol abuse.

John won the Open Championship in 1995, but the following five years were filled with challenges. His drinking problems began to impact his golf performance. In 2001, he experienced a resurgence by winning the BMW International Open, leading to more victories over the next two years. He notably returned to prominence with a win at the Buick Invitational in 2004. After a lackluster performance in 2005, his results remained generally disappointing over the following nine years.

Due to his non-exempt status, Daly relied heavily on sponsorships and invitations to events, even though he had earned millions throughout his golf career. His eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions came in 2016, and he started winning events once again after a long absence. Continuing to participate in the Champions Tour, Daly underwent significant knee surgery and rehab after an event in October 2022 but has pledged to return to the game.

Relationships

Initially, John was married to Dale Crafton in 1987, but their marriage ended in divorce just three years later. In 1992, he entered into his second marriage with Bettye Fulford, with whom he has one child. That same year, Daly faced charges for third-degree assault after an altercation where he threw his wife against a wall; however, Bettye opted not to press charges, and the specifics of the situation were never disclosed. Their marriage concluded in divorce in 1995.

Following that, John married Paulette Dean, and they welcomed a child in 1995. Their marriage ended when they finalized their divorce four years later. In 2001, he wed again, this time to Sherrie Miller, and the couple celebrated the birth of another child two years afterward. However, things took a turn in 2007 when both were involved in a restaurant altercation in Tennessee, during which John claimed Miller attacked him with a steak knife.

Law enforcement was summoned to their residence, but Sherrie and their young son had already left. Once located, Sherrie admitted guilt to federal drug charges, receiving a five-month prison sentence. Ultimately, Daly gained custody of their child, while Sherrie faced incarceration again for infringing on John’s visitation rights and other violations.

Business Ventures

John Daly’s business endeavors include a partnership with Loudmouth Golf, a clothing brand, as well as a 2014 agreement with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golf retailer. Additional business pursuits have encompassed a wine label known as John Daly Wines (which later ceased operating) and a golf course design firm dubbed JD Designs. Up to this point, JD Designs has created courses across California, Ireland, Canada, Missouri, and Arkansas. Furthermore, Daly has featured in the video game “Prostroke Golf,” and he was among the first two real individuals to appear in the “Everybody’s Golf” series. His image is also part of the well-known arcade golf game “Golden Tee.”

Music

In an unexpected twist, John has been considerably involved in the music sector through the years. In 2007, he lent his voice to Kid Rock’s song “Half Your Age.” Over the years, he has produced several albums, starting with “My Life,” which showcased contributions from Willie Nelson and Johnny Lee. His 2010 release, “I Only Know One Way,” featured collaborations with artists like Darius Rucker. More recently, in March 2022, he unveiled his album “Whiskey & Water.”

Substance Abuse Issues

In 1994, Daly infamously asserted that many PGA Tour players were using cocaine, claiming he would be among the “cleanest” if drug testing were common. Despite such declarations, Daly has personally battled substance abuse in his life. In 2008, frustrated by Daly’s drinking problem, his swing coach left him. That same year, he was discovered intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, albeit without arrest or charges; however, his mugshot made headlines, stirring considerable media attention.

The fallout from this incident prompted Daly to make significant lifestyle changes, quitting drinking, which led to a marked improvement in his golf performance. In a 2014 interview, John…
admitted that memories of his abusive father, an alcoholic, were a major factor in his drinking problem.

Health Issues

Over the years, John Daly has faced various health challenges. He underwent lap-band surgery in 2009, which helped him to significantly reduce his food intake. This procedure enabled him to shed 100 pounds, as he was previously dealing with obesity and several related health issues. In 2019, Daly narrowly escaped death after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. Following the onset of sepsis, he required emergency surgery but managed to survive.

In 2002, John Daly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He confessed to having battled the disease for an extended period before undergoing surgery to eliminate the cancer. While the surgery was deemed successful, doctors cautioned him about an 85% chance of relapse. To mitigate this risk, Daly declared his intention to cease smoking and give up Diet Coke.

Legal Issues

In 2005, John Daly made an attempt to sue the “Florida Times-Union” for libel, due to a columnist labeling him a “scoundrel.” However, in 2009, a judge dismissed Daly’s lawsuit, stating he failed to demonstrate that the columnist’s claims were false. Consequently, John incurred over $300,000 in legal fees owed to the newspaper.