John Daly Net Worth (Money & Salary)

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

John Daly, a professional golfer from the United States, has a net worth estimated at $2 million. Although it should be considerably higher, John has openly acknowledged losing tens of millions due to his significant gambling issues and multiple divorces. Further details about his gambling losses can be found in the next section.

Turning professional in 1987, John clinched his first major title at the PGA Championship in 1991. His second major win was at the 1995 Open Championship. Over his career, he has claimed five PGA Tour victories and three titles on the European Tour. Despite showcasing immense talent, John has battled personal challenges like gambling and alcohol addiction, which have often overshadowed his successes on the court, contributing to a tumultuous career. Known for his unconventional look, Daly often wears flashy outfits and has a long hairstyle. His striking long drives and aggressive playing style have earned him the nickname “Long John.”

Gambling Losses

In his 2006 autobiography, John Daly revealed his past struggles with gambling addiction that severely impacted his net worth. He estimates his total losses to be over $55 million throughout his lifetime. While he lost $90 million in total, he managed to recoup approximately $35 million, bringing his net losses to around $55 million.

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

Early Life

Born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, John Patrick Daly grew up in a middle-class family that moved often between various southern states. His journey in golf began in Arkansas, where his family eventually settled. Influenced by Jack Nicklaus, Daly started to take golf seriously, winning numerous championships during his teenage years.

Career

John Daly began his professional career in 1987, achieving his first win at that year’s Missouri Open. He also triumphed at the Ben Hogan Utah Classic in 1990 and captured his first PGA Championship in 1991, creating a buzz as an unlikely hero in the golf scene. Following a solid performance in 1992, he finished third in the Masters Tournament in 1993. Unfortunately, a mid-round exit in 1994 led to his suspension and subsequent rehab for alcohol abuse.

It was in 1995 that John won the Open Championship, yet he struggled with personal issues in the ensuing five years that impacted his game. The effects of his drinking started to manifest in his golf performance. In 2001, Daly staged a comeback with a victory at the BMW International Open, which led to a series of wins over the following two years, culminating in a notable win at the Buick Invitational in 2004. However, a lackluster 2005 began a period of underwhelming performance lasting for nine years.

Due to his non-exempt status, John relied on invitations and sponsorships despite having amassed significant earnings through his golf career. It wasn’t until 2016 that he gained eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions, where he began winning events again after a lengthy drought. Although he continued to participate in the Champions Tour, he underwent extensive knee surgery and rehab following an event in October 2022, promising to return to the game.

Relationships

In 1987, John married Dale Crafton, his first wife, but their marriage ended in divorce three years later. Later, in 1992, he tied the knot with Bettye Fulford, with whom he had one child during their relationship. That same year, after throwing his wife against a wall, Daly was charged with third-degree assault, though Bettye opted not to pursue legal action, and specifics regarding the incident remain undisclosed. Their marriage concluded with a divorce in 1995.

Subsequently, John married Paulette Dean, welcoming a child together in 1995. Their divorce was finalized four years afterward. In 2001, he entered into his fourth marriage with Sherrie Miller, and two years later, they celebrated the arrival of another child. However, in 2007, the couple faced a violent incident at a Tennessee restaurant, where John claimed that Miller attacked him with a steak knife.

When authorities were alerted, Sherrie had already taken their young son and fled. Once located, she pleaded guilty to federal drug charges, resulting in a five-month prison sentence. Eventually, Daly gained custody of their child, while Sherrie returned to jail for violating John’s visitation rights and other accusations.

Business Ventures

Daly has secured an endorsement with Loudmouth Golf, a clothing brand. In 2014, he entered into a deal with the discount golf retailer Rock Bottom Golf as well. Among his other ventures are a wine label, John Daly Wines (which later shut down), and a golf course design firm called JD Designs. So far, JD Designs has conceived courses in several locations, including California, Ireland, Canada, Missouri, and Arkansas. Daly made an appearance in the video game “Prostroke Golf” and became one of the first two real-life individuals featured in the “Everybody’s Golf” series. Additionally, he is depicted in the beloved arcade golf game “Golden Tee.”

Music

John has also been surprisingly active in the music scene throughout the years. In 2007, he provided vocals for Kid Rock’s song “Half Your Age.” Over the years, he has released several albums, including “I Only Know One Way” in 2010, featuring collaborations with artists like Darius Rucker. His debut album “My Life” included guest vocals from notable singers such as Willie Nelson and Johnny Lee. Most recently, in March 2022, he released his album titled “Whiskey & Water.”

Substance Abuse Issues

In 1994, Daly controversially stated that many players on the PGA Tour used cocaine, claiming he would rank among the “cleanest” if drug testing were widespread. Despite these assertions, he has faced his own battles with substance abuse. In 2008, after becoming fed up with Daly’s alcohol issues, his swing coach left him. That same year, he was discovered intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, though he was not arrested or charged; however, his mugshot became public, igniting a media storm.

This incident prompted Daly to get sober, leading to significant improvements in his golf 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 several health challenges. In 2009, he had lap-band surgery to help limit his food intake, leading to a weight loss of 100 pounds. He had previously been overweight and was dealing with multiple health issues as a result. In 2019, a near-fatal incident occurred when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider, which led to sepsis and required emergency surgery for his survival.

In 2002, John Daly disclosed his diagnosis of bladder cancer, revealing that he had been fighting the illness for a considerable time in the past and had undergone surgery to remove the cancer. While the procedure was deemed successful, doctors cautioned that there was an 85% chance of relapse. To mitigate this risk, Daly announced his decision to quit smoking and to stop drinking Diet Coke.

Legal Issues

In 2005, John Daly initiated a libel suit against the “Florida Times-Union” in response to a columnist labeling him a “scoundrel.” However, in 2009, a judge dismissed Daly’s lawsuit because he failed to demonstrate the falsity of the statements made by the columnist. Consequently, John was required to pay over $300,000 in legal fees to the newspaper.