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. His actual net worth could be significantly higher; however, he has openly stated that he has lost tens of millions due to a severe gambling addiction and multiple divorces. More details on his gambling losses will follow in the next section.

Turning professional in 1987, Daly claimed his first major title with the win at the PGA Championship in 1991. He achieved his second major victory at the 1995 Open Championship. Over his career, he has secured five PGA Tour events and three European Tour titles. Despite his remarkable skills, John has faced personal challenges related to alcohol addiction and gambling, which have often eclipsed his successes on the golf course, leading to a tumultuous career. He is also known for his unconventional style, often wearing vibrant clothing and sporting long hair. His unique playing style and ability to drive the ball long distances has earned him the nickname “Long John.”

Gambling Losses

In his 2006 autobiography, John Daly revealed his past struggles with gambling addiction, which has drastically reduced his net worth. He claims to have lost over $55 million throughout his life, although he originally lost $90 million before winning back approximately $35 million. Thus, his total net losses are around $55 million.

He recounted a specific incident in which he lost $1.5 million at a Las Vegas slot machine in October 2005.

Early Life

Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, John Patrick Daly grew up in a middle-class family and frequently moved through several southern states during his childhood. It was in Arkansas where he first picked up golf, inspired by Jack Nicklaus, which led him to take his sporting ambitions more seriously and achieve several championships as a teenager.

Career

In 1987, John Daly turned professional, marking the beginning of his career with a victory at the Missouri Open that same year. He secured a win at the Ben Hogan Utah Classic in 1990, and by 1991, he had triumphed at his first PGA Championship, creating a buzz in the golf community as he was seen as an underdog. Following a solid season in 1992, he placed third in the Masters Tournament in 1993. Unfortunately, a mid-round walk-off led to a suspension in 1994, pushing him into rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.

John achieved his second major win at the Open Championship in 1995, but the subsequent five years were challenging due to personal issues. His drinking habits started to impact his performance on the golf course. A comeback began in 2001 with a victory at the BMW International Open, followed by more wins over the next two years, culminating in a significant triumph at the Buick Invitational in 2004. After a disappointing performance in 2005, the following nine years remained underwhelming for Daly.

He navigated his non-exempt status by relying on sponsorships and special invitations, despite having earned millions from his golf career. In 2016, he qualified for the PGA Tour Champions and began winning events again after a long hiatus. Daly continued to participate in the Champions Tour but underwent knee surgery and rehabilitation after an event in October 2022, with a firm commitment to return to competitive golf.

Relationships

John’s initial marriage was to Dale Crafton in 1987, which ended in divorce three years later. In 1992, Daly tied the knot with Bettye Fulford, with whom he had one child during their union. That same year, he faced charges for third-degree assault after an incident where he allegedly threw his wife against a wall; however, Bettye opted not to take legal action, and the specific circumstances surrounding the event remain undisclosed. The couple ultimately ended their marriage in 1995.

Following this, John married Paulette Dean, and their child was born in 1995. They finalized their divorce just four years afterward. In 2001, he entered into his fourth marriage with Sherrie Miller, and together they welcomed a child two years later. A restaurant altercation occurred in 2007, where John claimed Miller attacked him with a steak knife.

Law enforcement was summoned to their residence, but Sherrie had already left with their young son. Once tracked down, she pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and received a five-month prison sentence. Daly was eventually granted custody of their child, while Sherrie faced additional jail time for disrupting John’s visitation rights along with other infractions.

Business Ventures

Daly has partnered with Loudmouth Golf for an endorsement deal featuring their clothing line. In 2014, he also entered an agreement with Rock Bottom Golf, known as a discount golf retailer. Beyond these, he launched a wine brand, John Daly Wines (which has since ceased operations), and a golf course design firm named JD Designs. So far, JD Designs has created courses located in California, Ireland, Canada, Missouri, and Arkansas. Moreover, Daly made an appearance in the video game “Prostroke Golf” and was one of the first two real-life individuals featured in the “Everybody’s Golf” series. His likeness is also part of the popular arcade golf game “Golden Tee.”

Music

Surprisingly, John has maintained a notable presence in the music scene throughout the years. In 2007, he lent his vocals to Kid Rock’s song “Half Your Age.” Over the years, he released various albums, including “I Only Know One Way,” which debuted in 2010 featuring collaborations with artists like Darius Rucker. His debut album, “My Life,” showcased guest contributions from Willie Nelson and Johnny Lee. In March 2022, he released his album named “Whiskey & Water.”

Substance Abuse Issues

In 1994, Daly famously asserted that many PGA Tour players were cocaine users, claiming he would be among the “cleanest” if drug testing became widespread. However, despite these statements, he dealt with substance abuse issues in his past. In 2008, after his drinking problem left his swing coach frustrated, he found himself intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant. Although he neither faced arrest nor charges, the release of John’s mugshot to the public triggered a media sensation.

This incident prompted Daly to reform his habits and stop drinking, which led to a significant enhancement in his golf performance. In a 2014 interview, Johnadmitted that memories of his abusive alcoholic father largely contributed to his drinking problem.

Health Issues

Over the years, John Daly has faced various health challenges. In 2009, he underwent lap-band surgery, which restricted the amount of food he could consume, leading to a weight loss of 100 pounds. Prior to this, he had been battling obesity and numerous health complications linked to it. Nearly dying in 2019 after a brown recluse spider bite, Daly developed sepsis and required emergency surgery to survive.

In 2002, John Daly disclosed his diagnosis of bladder cancer. He acknowledged having fought the illness for quite some time beforehand, despite having undergone surgery to eradicate the cancer. Although the procedure proved successful, doctors cautioned him about an 85% chance of relapse. To mitigate this risk, Daly declared his intention to quit smoking and stop drinking Diet Coke.

Legal Issues

In 2005, John Daly sought to sue the “Florida Times-Union” for libel in response to a columnist labeling him a “scoundrel.” However, in 2009, a judge dismissed Daly’s case due to his inability to substantiate that the columnist’s claims were false. Consequently, John had to pay the newspaper over $300,000 in legal expenses.