Northern Ohio Golf Charities named John Daly its 2026 Ambassador of Golf, with the honour set for Firestone during July's Kaulig Companies Championship week. Now 60 and still playing PGA Tour Champions, he remains one of golf's most recognisable figures.
Two majors, record-breaking drives and a swing that seemed to go on forever. Here is the story of Long John. Explore our John Daly collection for designs inspired by the story below.
John Daly Fact File
| Full name | John Patrick Daly |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 28 April 1966 (age 60) |
| Place of birth | Carmichael, California, USA |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Arkansas |
| Turned professional | 1987 |
| Current tour | PGA Tour Champions |
| Nickname | Long John |
Career History
| Year | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | PGA Championship, Crooked Stick | Won by three, 12 under |
| 1992 | B.C. Open | Won |
| 1993 | The Masters | T3, best Augusta finish |
| 1994 | BellSouth Classic | Won |
| 1995 | The Open, St Andrews | Won four-hole play-off, 6 under |
| 2004 | Buick Invitational | Won in a play-off |
| 2017 | Insperity Invitational (Champions) | Won by one, 14 under |
| 2026 | PGA Tour Champions season | 10 starts, 2 top-25s |
Key results across Daly's career: five PGA Tour wins, including two majors, plus one PGA Tour Champions title. Figures through the 2026 Sanford International (September 2026). Sources: PGA Tour player profile and Wikipedia.
Early Years: From Carmichael to the Razorbacks
Born in Carmichael, California, in April 1966, Daly hit the ball further than almost anyone around him. He played on a golf scholarship at the University of Arkansas from 1984 to 1987, then turned professional.
He learnt his trade on smaller tours, winning the Ben Hogan Utah Classic in 1990.
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The Breakthrough: Crooked Stick, 1991
Few major wins have a better backstory. Daly was the ninth and final alternate for the 1991 PGA Championship, got in when Nick Price withdrew, drove through the night to Indiana and had never seen Crooked Stick.
It didn't matter. Aged 25, he overpowered the course, finished 12 under and won by three from Bruce Lietzke. He was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, and golf had a new hero.
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Peak Years: The Claret Jug and Record Drives
Wins followed at the 1992 B.C. Open and the 1994 BellSouth Classic, with a share of third at the 1993 Masters. Then came St Andrews in 1995. Daly posted 282, six under, before Costantino Rocca holed a long birdie putt on the 18th to force a play-off.
Daly played the four extra holes in one under while Rocca slipped to three over, then famously filled the Claret Jug with chocolate ice cream. In 1997 he became the first PGA Tour player to average over 300 yards off the tee for a season, and he led the tour in driving distance 11 times.
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Later Career: Comebacks and Champions Golf
In 2004 Daly won a play-off at the Buick Invitational, his first PGA Tour title in 189 starts. He won the Insperity Invitational in 2017 for his first PGA Tour Champions victory, and in 2021 he and son John Daly II won the PNC Championship, edging Tiger and Charlie Woods.
Honours
Major Championships
- PGA Championship (1991)
- The Open Championship (1995)
Other Notable Wins
- B.C. Open (1992)
- BellSouth Classic (1994)
- Buick Invitational (2004)
- Insperity Invitational, PGA Tour Champions (2017)
- PNC Championship with John Daly II (2021)
Awards
- PGA Tour Rookie of the Year (1991)
- Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame (2002)
- Ambassador of Golf Award, Northern Ohio Golf Charities (2026)
Off the Course
Daly runs JD Designs, a golf course design business whose work includes Sevillano Links in Corning, California. He is also a long-time face of Loudmouth Golf.
FAQs
How old is John Daly?
John Daly was born on 28 April 1966, so he is 60 years old.
Where was John Daly born?
He was born in Carmichael, California.
How tall is John Daly?
Daly is listed at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in).
Which tours has John Daly played on?
The PGA Tour, and now PGA Tour Champions, where he made 10 starts in 2026.
How many majors has John Daly won?
Two: the 1991 PGA Championship and the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews.
What was John Daly's most famous moment?
Winning the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, having driven overnight to Crooked Stick without a practice round.
Shop the John Daly Collection
Made to order in the UK, these designs celebrate the big-hitting fan favourite who won two majors his own way.
John Daly Men's Hoodie
£39.99
See every design in our John Daly collection, browse the wider golf collection, or create your own custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Jordan Spieth Career Story and Phil Mickelson Career Story.
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