John Daly is one of golf’s most colorful and well-known figures. In this article, you will learn about John Daly’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. Get ready for the full scoop on his wild journey from unexpected champion to enduring golf icon.
John Daly’s Biography
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Patrick Daly |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 215 lb |
| Education | University of Arkansas |
| Turned Pro | 1987 |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Career Earnings | $12 million |
| Wife/Fiancée | Anna Cladakis (engaged since 2014) |
| Children | Shynah Hale Daly, Sierra Lynn Daly, John Patrick Daly II |
| Instagram Profile | @pga_johndaly |
| Twitter Profile | @PGA_JohnDaly |
Early Career
John Daly grew up in Carmichael, California, and later moved to Arkansas, where he played college golf for the University of Arkansas. He turned professional in 1987, playing regional tours while developing his famous “grip it and rip it” style.
Daly’s early career saw him winning smaller events and building a reputation for aggressive play. His big break came in 1991 at the PGA Championship, where he got into the tournament as the ninth alternate, after a last-minute withdrawal.
Without a practice round but with guts and determination, he stunned the golfing world by clinching the championship. That win quickly elevated him to stardom and gave him the confidence to keep challenging the best in golf.
Professional Career
Daly’s professional career is a mix of brilliance and boldness. He followed up his 1991 PGA Championship win with another major victory at the 1995 Open Championship in St. Andrews, proving he belonged among golf’s elite.
Daly became known for his long drives, holding the PGA Tour driving distance title for 11 seasons and often driving well over 300 yards. He endured long gaps between victories, but every comeback, like his 2004 win at the Buick Invitational, brought fresh excitement.
Daly’s risky style meant many ups and downs, but he always found ways to stay relevant, joining the PGA Tour Champions in 2016 and winning events like the 2017 Insperity Invitational.
Off the course, Daly built a business empire with endorsements, a clothing line, and golf course design, maintaining his place as one of the game’s most talked-about personalities.
Caddie
John Daly’s fiancée, Anna Cladakis, often acts as his caddie, partner, and supporter during tournaments. Anna’s background in business and her experience as a former Hooters promotional director make her a helpful companion both on and off the golf course.
She helps Daly with his travel, charity events, and manages logistics, making her more than just a traditional caddie. Her presence has added stability to Daly’s routine, and many fans have seen her carrying his bag at key tournaments across America, especially on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.
Fiancée
John Daly has been married four times through the years, but his current fiancée is Anna Cladakis. They got engaged in 2014 and have been together since 2007. Anna is a constant part of Daly’s life and career, supporting him on the road and at charity events.
They have no children together, but Daly has three children: Shynah Hale Daly (a photographer), Sierra Lynn Daly (keeps a low profile), and John Patrick Daly II (“Little John”), who is also a rising golfer.
Daly is close to his children and often travels with his youngest son during tournaments, including winning the 2021 PNC Championship as a father-son team.
John Daly’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, John Daly’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. His fortune comes from career earnings, endorsements, and business ventures, but he lost millions to gambling and divorces.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1991 | $574,783 |
| 1992 | $387,455 |
| 1993 | $225,591 |
| 1994 | $340,034 |
| 1995 | $321,748 |
| 1996 | $173,557 |
| 1997 | $106,762 |
| 1998 | $393,740 |
| 1999 | $186,215 |
| 2000 | $115,460 |
| 2001 | $828,914 |
| 2002 | $593,595 |
| 2003 | $220,647 |
| 2004 | $2,359,507 |
| 2005 | $1,759,921 |
| 2006 | $192,134 |
| 2007 | $248,501 |
| 2008 | $56,017 |
| 2009 | $68,815 |
| 2010 | $158,587 |
| 2012 | $488,505 |
Endorsements
John Daly has earned significant endorsement money from brands like Loudmouth Golf Apparel, Callaway, Druh Belts & Buckles, and several others. His colorful personality and unique style made him a favorite for marketing campaigns, even beyond golf.
Daly also expanded into business, launching a clothing line and a golf course design company. Endorsement deals helped shore up his finances through good and bad, and he stays active in promotional activities and charity events.
Career Stats
| Year | Events | Wins | Top 10s | Scoring Avg | Driving Distance Avg | Career Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 23 | 1 | 4 | 71.1 | 288.9 | $574,783 |
| 1995 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 71.6 | 289.0 | $321,748 |
| 2001 | 24 | 0 | 4 | 70.7 | 306.7 | $828,914 |
| 2004 | 28 | 1 | 5 | 70.8 | 306.0 | $2,359,507 |
| 2012 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 70.9 | 306.7 | $488,505 |
FAQs
1. How much has John Daly earned in his professional golfing career?
John Daly earned over $12 million in career prize money from official tournaments, in addition to millions from endorsements and business ventures.
2. Who is John Daly’s current caddie?
His fiancée, Anna Cladakis, often acts as his caddie during tournaments and also manages many of his personal and professional affairs.
3. How many children does John Daly have?
John Daly has three children: Shynah Hale Daly, Sierra Lynn Daly, and John Patrick Daly II. He is close to all of them and supports their interests.
4. What are John Daly’s two biggest golf achievements?
Daly won the 1991 PGA Championship as a rookie and claimed the 1995 Open Championship after a dramatic playoff at St. Andrews.
5. What makes John Daly’s playing style special?
Daly is famous for his long drives and aggressive “grip it and rip it” style, regularly hitting drives over 300 yards and leading the PGA Tour in driving distance for 11 seasons.
