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John Daly

John Daly is an American professional golfer known for his long driving distance, colorful personality, and two major championship wins.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John Daly is an American professional golfer known for his long driving distance, colorful personality, and two major championship wins. He won the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship, and he has continued to play professionally on senior tours and in select events.

Early life and amateur career

John Patrick Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, United States. He played college golf at the University of Arkansas and turned professional in 1987.

Major championship victories

Daly became a major champion in his rookie PGA Tour season by winning the 1991 PGA Championship. He added a second major at the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews after a playoff win over Costantino Rocca.

Playing style and reputation

Daly is widely known for exceptional driving distance and a powerful, free-swinging style, earning him the nickname "Long John." His image has also been shaped by a colourful personality and a reputation as one of golf's most unconventional stars.

Later career

After his peak years, Daly continued to play on the PGA Tour and later on the PGA Tour Champions. He has competed intermittently on the PGA Tour Champions and in special events, remaining a periodic competitor rather than a full-time contender in recent years.

Key facts

  • John Daly turned professional in 1987 and joined the PGA Tour in 1991.
  • He won two major championships: the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship.
  • Daly is known for exceptional driving distance and a powerful, free-swinging style.
  • He has won 19 professional events in total, according to his player profiles.
  • He continues to compete intermittently on the PGA Tour Champions and in special events.
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Canadian context

John Daly is well known to Canadian golf fans as one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities and a two-time major winner who has played in international events followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is John Daly?
John Daly is an American professional golfer best known for winning two major championships and for his exceptional driving distance.
How old is John Daly?
John Daly was born on April 28, 1966, which makes him 60 years old.
What is John Daly's net worth?
A reliable, consistently verified net worth figure is not provided in the available sources.
How many majors has John Daly won?
John Daly has won 2 major championships.
What is John Daly known for?
He is known for long drives, a powerful swing, two major wins, and a colourful public persona.
Is John Daly still playing golf?
Yes. He continues to compete intermittently, including on the PGA Tour Champions and in special events.

References

  1. PGA TOUR — https://www.pgatour.com/player/01249/john-daly
    Supports: Birth year, age, turned professional, and current competitive status.
  2. John Daly official biography — https://johndaly.com/bio/
    Supports: Major wins, nickname, career highlights, and general playing reputation.
  3. The Open — https://www.theopen.com/players/john-daly
    Supports: 1995 Open Championship victory and career summary.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Daly_(golfer)
    Supports: Professional wins total and ongoing participation on PGA Tour Champions.
  5. Encyclopedia of Arkansas — https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/john-patrick-daly-3051/
    Supports: Birth date and early life details.