Golf is a family affair for the Daly clan, and one that John Daly himself is more than happy to talk about.
The elder golf pro and five-time PGA Tour winner took time out on the links to praise his son, John Daly II. The college senior continues to compete for the University of Arkansas men’s golf team, but made his PGA Tour debut as an amateur at the Puerto Rico Open on March 5.
“It was awesome,” Daly said of his son, who friends refer to as “L.J.”
“He led the tournament for six holes there on Saturday. And he kept it going. He just had a bad back nine, his last nine [holes]. But he’s been playing great.”
John Daly II’s PGA Tour Debut
Daly finished the Puerto Rico Open T37 at seven under par. He finished his second round with five birdies and no bogeys and eagled the 11th hole on Saturday. But, as his father summarized, the back nine was his nemesis in the final round as he bogeyed five holes.
All in all, his debut went very well and showed his growth as a golfer, according to Arkansas head golf coach Brad McMakin.
“He actually looks the part now,” McMakin told Golf Channel during the event. “He went from being a bad driver of the golf ball, to now he’s hitting these tight draws, hits it high, has great control. This has been one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen in a player in that short amount a time. I couldn’t be prouder of that kid, and I’m telling you, that kid is the greatest kid.”
A Busy Spring for L.J.
Fans eager for another glimpse of John Daly II on the professional links may have to wait a little while.
The up-and-comer is busy wrapping up his collegiate golf career and ending it on a high note. He and Razorbacks, who rank fourth in the country, just won the All-American Intercollegiate in Houston. Daly II himself finished the event T4.
“He just finished fourth last week,” John Daly said, “and the Hogs won in Houston. They’ve got a really good golf team.”
The elder statesman of the golf dynasty believes his son will finish out his busy senior season with his team. Nationals for men’s Division I golf is set to tee off on May 23.
“If he keeps playing [well] the next two events and the Hogs keep winning… they have a really good shot at winning nationals,” John Daly said.
At this time, Daly II has not made an official announcement on when he will turn pro. He can still play in PGA Tour events as an amateur, but would have to forfeit any prize money won.
Meanwhile, fans are also waiting for his iconic father to play his first tournament in 2026. Daly, 59, plays a limited schedule on the PGA Tour Champions circuit for the senior set. His last event was the PNC Championship in December, which he played alongside his son. Team Daly finished T2.
John Daly Said This About Son’s Golf Journey