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, but he has confessed to losing tens of millions due to a severe gambling addiction and several divorces. Details about his gambling losses are discussed in the following section.

Turning professional in 1987, John secured his first major title by winning the PGA Championship in 1991. His second major victory occurred at the 1995 Open Championship. Over his career, he captured five PGA Tour events and three European Tour titles. Despite his considerable talent, Daly has faced personal struggles, including gambling and alcohol addiction. These challenges have often overshadowed his golfing accomplishments, contributing to a tumultuous career. Recognized for his unconventional appearance, Daly frequently dons vibrant clothing and sports long hair. His aggressive style of play and remarkable ability to hit long drives have earned him the nickname “Long John.”

Gambling Losses

In his autobiography published in 2006, John Daly disclosed his past struggles with gambling addiction, which has significantly depleted his net worth. He asserts that he has lost over $55 million in his lifetime, having lost $90 million but won back approximately $35 million, resulting in total net losses of around $55 million.

Notably, he recounted an incident 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, moving frequently across several southern states during his childhood. He began playing golf after the family settled in Arkansas, drawing inspiration from Jack Nicklaus, which led him to take his golfing journey more seriously and achieve several championships during his teenage years.

Career

John launched his professional career in 1987, claiming his first victory at the Missouri Open that same year. He won the Ben Hogan Utah Classic in 1990, and by 1991, Daly had secured his first PGA Championship, creating a significant buzz in the golf community as a major underdog. A solid performance in 1992 followed, and in 1993 he achieved a third-place finish at the Masters Tournament. Unfortunately, in 1994, Daly faced suspension for walking off the course mid-round, leading to a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse.

In 1995, he triumphed at the Open Championship, but the ensuing five years were riddled with personal issues affecting his game. By 2001, Daly experienced a resurgence, winning the BMW International Open, which marked the start of a comeback. He added more wins to his record over the next two years, culminating in a significant victory at the Buick Invitational in 2004. However, after a lackluster 2005, he struggled with his form for the next nine years.

Due to his non-exempt status, Daly had to depend on sponsorships and invitations to participate in events, despite earning millions throughout his golfing career. In 2016, he became eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions and began winning events again after many years. He has continued to participate in the Champions Tour but had to undergo significant knee surgery and rehabilitation following an event in October 2022, while expressing his determination to return to the game.

Relationships

John’s initial marriage was to Dale Crafton in 1987, but they separated just three years later. In 1992, he tied the knot with Bettye Fulford, with whom he shares a child. That same year, Daly faced third-degree assault charges for allegedly pushing his wife against a wall, but Bettye opted not to take legal action, and specifics of the event remain undisclosed. Ultimately, this union ended in divorce in 1995.

Subsequently, John united with Paulette Dean, welcoming a child in 1995, but their marriage concluded four years later. In 2001, he entered into his fourth marriage with Sherrie Miller, and by 2003, they became parents. However, in 2007, the couple found themselves embroiled in an incident at a Tennessee restaurant, where John accused Miller of attacking him with a steak knife.

Authorities were summoned, but Sherrie had already left with their young son. After her whereabouts were discovered, she pleaded guilty to federal drug charges, receiving a five-month prison sentence. John later gained custody of the child, while Sherrie faced further imprisonment for interfering with John’s visitation rights and other violations.

Business Ventures

Daly is known for his endorsement association with Loudmouth Golf, a clothing brand, and in 2014, he engaged in another partnership with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golfing retailer. He has also launched a wine brand named John Daly Wines (which eventually ceased operations) and runs a golf course design firm called JD Designs. This company has created courses across California, Ireland, Canada, Missouri, and Arkansas. Additionally, Daly made his mark in the gaming world by appearing in “Prostroke Golf” and becoming one of the few real-life personalities featured in the “Everybody’s Golf” series. His likeness is also showcased in the well-known arcade game “Golden Tee.”

Music

Interestingly, John has made significant contributions to the music scene over the years. In 2007, he provided vocals for Kid Rock’s song “Half Your Age.” Over time, he has put out several albums, one of the most notable being “I Only Know One Way,” released in 2010, which includes collaborations with artists like Darius Rucker. His debut album, “My Life,” boasted guest appearances from Willie Nelson and Johnny Lee. Most recently, he launched his album “Whiskey & Water” in March 2022.

Substance Abuse Issues

In 1994, Daly controversially asserted that many players on the PGA Tour were using cocaine and claimed he would be among the “cleanest” if drug testing had been commonplace. However, despite making these declarations, John has faced his own battles with substance abuse. In 2008, his swing coach became frustrated with Daly’s drinking habits and cut ties with him. That year, he was discovered intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, and while he faced no arrest or charges, John’s mugshot circulated widely, leading to a media frenzy.

This event prompted Daly to reevaluate his lifestyle, resulting in his decision to stop drinking, which in turn facilitated a noticeable enhancement in his golf performance. In a 2014 interview, John…
“`admitted that memories of his abusive alcoholic father significantly contributed to his drinking problem.

Health Issues

Over the years, John Daly has faced numerous health challenges. In 2009, he had lap-band surgery to restrict his food intake, which led to a weight loss of 100 pounds. Prior to this, he dealt with obesity and the associated health issues. In 2019, Daly nearly lost his life due to a bite from a brown recluse spider, which caused sepsis and required emergency surgery for his survival.

In 2002, it became public that John Daly had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He shared that he had been fighting this illness for a considerable amount of time before undergoing surgery, which successfully removed the cancer. However, medical professionals cautioned that there was an 85% likelihood of a relapse. To mitigate this risk, Daly stated his intention to quit smoking and stop consuming Diet Coke.

Legal Issues

John Daly made an attempt to sue the “Florida Times-Union” for libel in 2005, responding to a columnist who labeled him a “scoundrel.” Unfortunately, in 2009, a judge dismissed Daly’s lawsuit, as he could not substantiate that the columnist’s statements were false. Consequently, John was obligated to pay over $300,000 in legal fees to the newspaper.