John Daly is one of the most colorful personalities in the history of professional golf. Known for his powerful drives and unpredictable lifestyle, Daly’s career has been a mix of incredible victories and well-publicized struggles. As of 2025, John Daly’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million—a surprisingly modest sum considering his career earnings. The main reason for his lower net worth is his admitted gambling problem, which has cost him tens of millions of dollars over the years.
In this blog, we’ll explore John Daly’s career, his financial ups and downs, his relationships, and what the future might hold for him.
Early Life: A Love for Golf
John Patrick Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California. He moved around a lot as a child but eventually settled in Arkansas, where he fell in love with golf. Inspired by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Daly spent countless hours practicing and honing his skills.
His talent was clear early on. John won several junior championships and earned a golf scholarship to the University of Arkansas. However, college was not really his thing. He left school early to turn professional in 1987.
Rising to Fame: The Underdog Champion
John Daly’s breakthrough moment came in 1991 when he won the PGA Championship. Daly was a complete underdog, but his aggressive playing style and ability to hit long drives shocked everyone. His victory was one of the most unexpected wins in golf history and made him an instant fan favorite.
In 1995, Daly won his second major title at The Open Championship. Fans loved his fearless approach to the game, both on and off the course. He earned the nickname “Long John” because of his powerful drives, and his loud clothing and long hair made him stand out.
Despite his success, Daly’s career was full of ups and downs. He struggled with alcohol addiction and was even suspended in 1994 for walking off the course mid-round. His drinking led him to rehab, and though he made comebacks, consistency was always a challenge.
Gambling Problems: A Costly Addiction
One of the biggest reasons for John Daly’s low net worth is his gambling problem. In his 2006 autobiography, Daly admitted to losing more than $55 million gambling. He actually lost $90 million but won back around $35 million. One of his worst nights came in 2005 when he lost $1.5 million on a Las Vegas slot machine.
Daly’s gambling losses are mind-blowing, even by celebrity standards. He admitted that he was often reckless, sometimes betting as much as $15,000 per spin. This addiction not only drained his bank accounts but also overshadowed his achievements in golf.
Financial Situation: Net Worth in 2025
John Daly’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be about $2 million. While this is a lot of money for most people, it’s surprisingly low for someone who has earned tens of millions during his career. Daly’s financial struggles are mostly due to gambling losses and expensive divorces.
Daly has been married four times, and each divorce came with its own financial cost. He also filed for bankruptcy at one point, listing debts that included gambling losses and legal fees. Daly’s spending habits, including luxury cars and a private jet, didn’t help either.
Relationships and Personal Life
John Daly’s personal life has been just as chaotic as his career. He has been married four times. His first marriage was to Dale Crafton in 1987, but they divorced three years later. His second wife, Bettye Fulford, accused him of assault in 1992, but she later dropped the charges. They divorced in 1995.
In 1995, Daly married Paulette Dean, with whom he had a daughter. This marriage also ended in divorce. His fourth marriage to Sherrie Miller was the most dramatic. In 2007, the two got into a fight at a restaurant, and Daly claimed Sherrie attacked him with a steak knife. She was later arrested on federal drug charges.
Daly has children from these marriages and seems to have a strong bond with them despite the turbulent relationships.
Business Ventures and Music
John Daly is not just a golfer; he’s also an entrepreneur and a musician. He has an endorsement deal with Loudmouth Golf, a brand known for its colorful and bold golf apparel. In 2014, he also signed a deal with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golf store.
Daly even ventured into the wine business with his own label, John Daly Wines. However, the company eventually went out of business. He also has a golf course design company called JD Designs, which has created courses in the U.S., Canada, and Ireland.
Surprisingly, Daly has a passion for music. He has released several albums, including My Life and I Only Know One Way. His songs feature collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson and Darius Rucker. In 2022, he released another album called Whiskey & Water.
Health Struggles and Comebacks
John Daly’s health has been a concern in recent years. He underwent lap-band surgery in 2009, which helped him lose 100 pounds. However, he has struggled with other health issues, including bladder cancer. Daly underwent surgery to remove the cancer and has since pledged to quit smoking and drinking Diet Coke.
In 2019, Daly nearly died after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. He developed sepsis and had to undergo emergency surgery. Despite these challenges, Daly has continued to play on the PGA Tour Champions.
The Future for John Daly
At 58 years old, John Daly shows no signs of completely stepping away from golf. He continues to compete in the PGA Tour Champions and remains a fan favorite. His wild personality and no-filter interviews keep him relevant in the world of sports.
Financially, it’s unlikely that Daly’s net worth will grow significantly unless he makes better investments or lands a major endorsement deal. His past gambling losses have left a lasting impact on his finances.
A Wild Ride
John Daly’s life has been a rollercoaster of wins, losses, and comebacks. His net worth of $2 million may seem low for a sports legend, but it’s a reflection of a life lived without regrets. From winning majors to losing millions at casinos, Daly’s story is anything but boring.
Fans love him for his honesty and his larger-than-life personality. While his financial future might be uncertain, John Daly’s place in golf history is already secure. He’s proof that sometimes, the most memorable athletes are the ones who break all the rules.
