John Daly Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Discovering John Daly’s Net Worth and Career Earnings

John Daly, the American professional golfer, boasts a net worth of $2 million. While his potential net worth could have been significantly higher, John openly acknowledges losing tens of millions of dollars over the years. The primary reasons behind this substantial loss include severe gambling issues and multiple divorces. Further details about his gambling setbacks will be explored in the following section.

Entering professional golf in 1987, John triumphed in the 1991 PGA Championship, clinching his first major title. His second significant victory occurred at the 1995 Open Championship. Throughout his career, Daly claimed five PGA Tour events and three European Tour titles. Despite his exceptional skills, John faced personal challenges related to alcohol addiction and gambling, overshadowing his professional accomplishments and leading to a turbulent journey. Known for his unconventional style, featuring flamboyant attire and long hair, Daly earned the moniker “Long John” for his aggressive play and remarkable driving abilities.

Consequences of Gambling Losses

John Daly revealed in his 2006 autobiography his battle with a gambling addiction, a struggle that significantly impacted his net worth. Reportedly, John lost more than $55 million throughout his life. While his losses amounted to $90 million, he managed to recuperate about $35 million. Consequently, his net losses sum to approximately $55 million. Daly highlighted a notable incident in October 2005 when he lost $1.5 million playing a slot machine in Las Vegas.

Background and Childhood

John Patrick Daly, born on April 28th, 1966, in Carmichael, California, grew up moving across various southern states with his family. It was during their settlement in Arkansas that John commenced his golf journey. Inspired by Jack Nicklaus, Daly enhanced his golf career and clinched numerous championships during his teenage years.

Professional Journey

Debuting professionally in 1987, John secured his first win at the Missouri Open in the same year. His triumph at the 1990 Ben Hogan Utah Classic preceded his remarkable win at the 1991 PGA Championship, causing a stir in the golfing community due to his underdog status. Subsequent successes included a strong 1992 season and a notable third-place finish in the 1993 Masters Tournament. However, Daly faced a suspension in 1994 for abruptly leaving the course during a round, prompting a stint in alcohol rehabilitation.

The pinnacle of John’s career arrived in 1995 with a victory at the Open Championship, yet subsequent years were marred by personal challenges and a decline in performance due to escalating drinking habits. A resurgence in 2001, marked by a win at the BMW International Open, kickstarted his return to form. Further victories followed in the succeeding years, with Daly solidifying his comeback by winning the Buick Invitational in 2004. Despite a challenging 2005, Daly’s form remained inconsistent over the next nine years.

Despite facing non-exempt status, John relied on sponsorships and event invitations, leveraging his significant golf career earnings. In 2016, Daly became eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, where he rekindled his winning streak after an extended period. Continuining to compete on the Champions Tour, Daly’s golfing journey encountered a setback with extensive knee surgery and rehab after an event in October 2022, although he expressed his determination to resume his play.

Personal Relationships

John’s marital journey commenced with Dale Crafton in 1987, culminating in divorce three years later. His second marriage to Bettye Fulford in 1992 resulted in the birth of a child but ended in divorce in 1995. Subsequent marriages to Paulette Dean and Sherrie Miller each added to Daly’s family, yet ended in separation within a few years. Notably, in 2007, both John and Sherrie were involved in an altercation at a Tennessee restaurant, leading to legal repercussions for Sherrie. After gaining custody of their child, John experienced ongoing challenges related to his personal relationships.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits

Embracing various business ventures, Daly signed endorsement deals with Loudmouth Golf and Rock Bottom Golf, besides founding ventures like John Daly Wines and JD Designs, focusing on golf course design. His presence extended to video games such as “Prostroke Golf” and “Everybody’s Golf.” Notably, John’s involvement in the music industry included collaborations with artists like Kid Rock and Darius Rucker, culminating in album releases like “I Only Know One Way” and “Whiskey & Water.”

Challenges with Substance Abuse

Initially vocal about drug issues in professional golf, John Daly later grappled with his own substance abuse problems. A pivotal moment in 2008, involving public intoxication, prompted Daly to address his drinking habits, ultimately fostering a positive impact on his golfing career. Reflecting on his past struggles, John acknowledged the role of alcohol in affecting his personal and professional life.

John Daly, who was an alcoholic, suffered abuse at the hands of his father.

Health Issues

Over the past years, John Daly has faced various health challenges. He opted for lap-band surgery in 2009 to limit his food intake, resulting in a weight loss of 100 pounds. His weight issues and associated health problems improved significantly. In 2019, he survived a life-threatening situation after being bitten by a brown recluse spider, which led to sepsis. Prompt emergency surgery saved his life.

He disclosed in 2002 that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer, which had been a long-standing battle. Successful surgery removed the cancer, but medical experts cautioned an 85% chance of a relapse. Daly pledged to quit smoking and Diet Coke to reduce this risk.

Legal Issues

John Daly took legal action against the “Florida Times-Union” in 2005 for defamation, challenging being labeled a “scoundrel” by a columnist. However, his case was dismissed in 2009 due to insufficient proof of the columnist’s statements being false. Consequently, Daly had to pay more than $300,000 in legal fees to the newspaper.