John Daly Net Worth (Money & Salary)

John Daly’s Career Earnings and Net Worth

With a net worth of $2 million, John Daly is an American professional golfer. While this figure is noteworthy, it could have been considerably higher, as Daly himself has acknowledged significant losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars over the years. These losses primarily stem from a serious gambling addiction, compounded by several divorces. More details about his gambling issues follow in the next section.

Entering the professional realm in 1987, Daly claimed his first major title at the PGA Championship in 1991. His second major victory occurred at the 1995 Open Championship. Over his career, he has achieved five victories on the PGA Tour and three on the European Tour. Despite his substantial talent, Daly has faced personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol and gambling, which have often overshadowed his golfing accomplishments and contributed to a troubled career. Notably, he is recognized for his unconventional look, often donning vibrant clothing and long hair. His dynamic playing style and capability to hit long drives have earned him the moniker “Long John.”

Wagering Setbacks

In his 2006 autobiography, John Daly revealed his past battles with gambling addiction, a struggle that has severely depleted his net worth. According to him, he claims to have lost over $55 million throughout his life. Although his actual losses total approximately $90 million, he managed to win back around $35 million, bringing his net loss to about $55 million.

Daly recounted a specific instance when he lost $1.5 million in a Las Vegas slot machine in October 2005.

John Daly’s Early Years

Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, John Patrick Daly was raised in a middle-class family and frequently moved through various southern states during his childhood. His journey in golf began when they settled in Arkansas, where he was inspired by Jack Nicklaus and began taking the sport seriously, winning numerous championships as a teenager.

Professional Journey

Turning professional in 1987, Daly achieved his first victory in that year’s Missouri Open. In 1990, he triumphed at the Ben Hogan Utah Classic, followed by his first PGA Championship win in 1991, creating a buzz in the golf community as an underdog. This success was succeeded by a solid performance in 1992, leading to a third-place finish at the Masters Tournament in 1993. Regrettably, Daly faced a suspension in 1994 for leaving the course mid-round, compelling him to enter rehab due to alcohol issues.

Following his 1995 Open Championship victory, Daly encountered a challenging five-year stretch plagued by personal issues impacting his game. But in 2001, he experienced a resurgence, winning the BMW International Open, with more victories following in the next two years. He truly marked his comeback with a win at the Buick Invitational in 2004. However, after a disappointing year in 2005, Daly’s performance remained far from stellar over the subsequent nine years.

Given his non-exempt status, Daly relied heavily on sponsorships and invitations to compete in events, despite having earned millions throughout his golfing career. In 2016, he became eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions and began to win events for the first time in years. Daly continued to participate in the Champions Tour, but after an event in October 2022, he underwent significant knee surgery and rehabilitation, pledging to return to the sport.

Relationships

In 1987, John married Dale Crafton, his first wife, but three years later they divorced. Later, in 1992, he tied the knot with Bettye Fulford, with whom he had one child. That same year, Daly faced third-degree assault charges for an incident involving his wife, though Bettye opted not to pursue legal action, keeping the incident’s specifics undisclosed. Ultimately, Daly and Fulford ended their marriage in 1995.

Next, John married Paulette Dean, and together they welcomed a child in 1995 before finalizing their divorce four years later. In 2001, he wed Sherrie Miller, with whom he had a child two years after their marriage. However, in 2007, an altercation at a Tennessee restaurant led to claims by John that Miller attacked him with a steak knife.

Law enforcement was summoned to their residence, but by the time they arrived, Sherrie had left with their toddler. After she was located, she pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and received a five-month jail sentence. John was eventually awarded custody of their child, while Sherrie faced further jail time for interfering with John’s visitation rights among other offenses.

Business Ventures

Daly has partnered with Loudmouth Golf, a clothing brand, for an endorsement deal. In 2014, he secured an agreement with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golf retailer. His entrepreneurial pursuits also covered a wine label known as John Daly Wines, which later ceased operations, and his golf course design company, JD Designs. So far, JD Designs has created courses across California, Ireland, Canada, Missouri, and Arkansas. Moreover, Daly made an appearance in the video game “Prostroke Golf” and is one of the two real-life individuals featured in the “Everybody’s Golf” series. His image is also represented in the arcade golf game “Golden Tee.”

Music

Interestingly, John has been quite involved in the music scene throughout the years. His vocals featured on Kid Rock’s song “Half Your Age” in 2007, and he has released several albums over time, including “I Only Know One Way,” which came out in 2010 and features collaborations with artists like Darius Rucker. His debut album, “My Life,” included guest appearances from Willie Nelson and Johnny Lee. In March 2022, he launched his album, “Whiskey & Water.”

Substance Abuse Issues

Back in 1994, Daly boldly asserted that a majority of PGA Tour players were cocaine users and claimed he would rank among the “cleanest” if drug testing were widespread. Yet, he has encountered his own substance abuse challenges over the years. In 2008, after becoming frustrated with Daly’s drinking habits, his swing coach severed ties. That same year, he was discovered intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, though he faced no arrests or charges. Nonetheless, his mugshot made headlines, sparking a media frenzy.

This incident prompted Daly to reform his habits and cease alcohol consumption, resulting in a marked enhancement in his golfing performance. During 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. In 2009, he had lap-band surgery to reduce his food intake, leading to a weight loss of 100 pounds. Previously, he struggled with being overweight, which contributed to several health complications. In a near-fatal incident in 2019, Daly was bitten by a brown recluse spider. He developed sepsis and required emergency surgery, from which he recovered.

In 2002, John Daly disclosed his diagnosis of bladder cancer. He also acknowledged that he had been fighting the illness for quite some time prior, although he underwent surgery to remove the cancer. Though the surgery was successful, doctors cautioned him about an 85% possibility of a relapse. To mitigate this risk, Daly stated his intention to quit smoking and stop drinking Diet Coke.

Legal Issues

In 2005, John Daly made an attempt to sue the “Florida Times-Union” for libel, prompted by a columnist labeling him a “scoundrel.” Unfortunately, in 2009, a judge dismissed Daly’s case due to his failure to prove that the columnist’s statements were false. Consequently, John had to pay the newspaper over $300,000 in legal expenses.