John Daly, one of golf’s most colorful and controversial figures, has a net worth of $2 million. Known for his powerful drives and unfiltered personality, Daly’s financial story is one of highs and lows. While he earned tens of millions during his career, a combination of gambling losses, divorces, and substance abuse issues significantly diminished his fortune. In this article, we explore John Daly’s net worth, career earnings, personal struggles, and the business ventures that have helped him rebuild his financial standing.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
John Patrick Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California. Growing up in a middle-class household, Daly’s family moved frequently across the southern United States before finally settling in Arkansas. Inspired by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Daly began playing golf at a young age and quickly displayed an innate talent for the game. His powerful drives and aggressive playstyle earned him the nickname Long John.
Daly turned professional in 1987, and just four years later, he shocked the golf world by winning the PGA Championship in 1991. Entering the tournament as a ninth alternate, Daly’s victory was nothing short of miraculous, earning him $230,000 and instant fame. His second major title came in 1995 when he won the Open Championship at St. Andrews, solidifying his place in golf history.
Career Earnings and Financial Highs
Throughout his career, John Daly won five PGA Tour events and three European Tour titles, earning more than $10 million in prize money. His biggest career payouts include:
- PGA Championship (1991): $230,000
- Open Championship (1995): $200,000
- Buick Invitational (2004): $864,000
In addition to tournament winnings, Daly’s popularity and unique personality attracted lucrative endorsement deals. Brands like Callaway, Wilson, and Dunlop capitalized on his appeal to the blue-collar golf fan. At his peak, Daly was earning millions annually from endorsements alone.
Total Career Earnings: $25-30 Million
While his official tournament winnings stand at over $10 million, endorsement deals and appearance fees significantly boosted Daly’s career earnings to an estimated $25-30 million.
Gambling Addiction: A $55 Million Loss
Despite his substantial earnings, John Daly’s financial struggles are largely attributed to his gambling addiction. In his 2006 autobiography, Daly revealed that he had lost more than $55 million to gambling over the years. He admitted to losing $90 million but winning back around $35 million, leaving him with a staggering net loss of $55 million.
One of the most notorious incidents occurred in 2005 when Daly lost $1.5 million in a single night at a Las Vegas slot machine. He described spending hours at the machine, increasing his bets from $5,000 to $15,000 per spin. This loss was just one of many, highlighting the severity of his addiction.
Why Daly’s Gambling Was So Costly
Daly’s penchant for high-stakes gambling saw him betting up to $1 million in a single session. Games like slots, blackjack, and sports betting were his favorites, with losses accumulating quickly due to the sheer scale of his bets. His gambling problem, combined with costly divorces, effectively drained the majority of his career earnings.
Personal Life: Multiple Marriages and Legal Troubles
John Daly’s personal life has been as tumultuous as his financial history. He has been married four times, with each divorce resulting in significant financial settlements.
- First Wife: Dale Crafton (1987-1990)
- Second Wife: Bettye Fulford (1992-1995) — The marriage ended following a domestic dispute, with Daly charged with third-degree assault, although the case was not pursued legally.
- Third Wife: Paulette Dean (1995-1999) — The divorce included a substantial financial settlement.
- Fourth Wife: Sherrie Miller (2001-2007) — Their marriage was marked by legal battles, including a highly publicized incident where Miller allegedly attacked Daly with a steak knife. The couple’s divorce resulted in a bitter custody battle, which Daly eventually won.
Legal fees and settlements from these divorces are estimated to have cost Daly millions, compounding his financial difficulties.
Legal Issues and Financial Impact
In 2005, Daly sued the Florida Times-Union for libel after a columnist referred to him as a “scoundrel.” However, the case was dismissed, and Daly was ordered to pay over $300,000 in legal fees, further straining his finances.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Despite his financial setbacks, John Daly has managed to maintain a steady income through various business ventures. His endorsement deal with Loudmouth Golf, known for its flamboyant apparel, has been a significant source of revenue. In 2014, Daly signed a deal with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golf retailer, further boosting his earnings.
Other Ventures
- JD Designs: Daly’s golf course design company has designed several courses in the United States, Canada, and Ireland, generating additional income.
- Music Career: A lesser-known aspect of Daly’s career is his foray into music. He has released multiple albums, including My Life and Whiskey & Water (2022). His songs, often country and southern rock-inspired, have a cult following among his fans.
- Video Games: Daly’s likeness has been featured in popular arcade golf games like Golden Tee and Everybody’s Golf, providing him with a steady stream of royalties.
Health Issues and Sobriety
John Daly’s battles with alcohol and health issues are well-documented. In 1994, Daly entered rehab for alcohol abuse after being suspended from the PGA Tour. In 2008, Daly was found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant, leading to a media frenzy and the termination of his swing coach’s services.
Health-wise, Daly has undergone several surgeries, including knee surgery in 2022. In 2020, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. While the surgery was successful, doctors warned of a high chance of recurrence, prompting Daly to quit smoking and drinking Diet Coke in an effort to improve his health.
Philanthropy: Giving Back Despite Financial Woes
Despite his financial struggles, Daly has been committed to philanthropy, often participating in charity golf tournaments to raise funds for children’s hospitals and cancer research. His charitable efforts reflect a desire to give back, even as he works to stabilize his own finances.
Net Worth Recovery: Can Daly Bounce Back?
With a net worth of $2 million, John Daly’s financial recovery is ongoing. His eligibility to play on the PGA Tour Champions since 2016 has provided a steady income stream, with tournament winnings and endorsements helping to stabilize his finances.
Future income prospects for Daly include:
- PGA Tour Champions earnings
- Royalties from video games and endorsements
- Continued business ventures and course designs
While Daly’s financial comeback may never restore the tens of millions lost, his current business ventures and endorsements suggest that he can continue to build on his $2 million net worth.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Wealth and Excess
John Daly’s story is both an inspiring tale of resilience and a cautionary example of how quickly wealth can be lost. From major championship victories to staggering gambling losses, Daly’s financial rollercoaster is a reminder of the importance of financial management. As he continues to compete and rebuild his net worth, Daly’s legacy remains one of raw talent, hard lessons, and an unyielding will to keep fighting—both on and off the course.
