Childhood and Education Journey of John Daly (golfer) in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of John Daly (golfer), highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

John Daly is a professional golfer recognized for his prodigious driving distance and unconventional persona. He gained fame with his unexpected victory at the 1991 PGA Championship and further solidified his reputation by winning the 1995 Open Championship in a playoff. Daly's career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and inconsistencies, compounded by personal struggles that have often overshadowed his talent. Despite these challenges, he remains a popular figure in the world of golf, now competing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

April 28, 1966: John Daly's Birth

On April 28, 1966, John Patrick Daly was born. He would later become a professional golfer known for his driving distance and unconventional style.

1983: Helias High School Accomplishments

In 1983, while at Helias High School, John Daly contributed to the football team's 10-0 record as a punter and place-kicker. Also in 1983, he was a Missouri state team HS champion in golf.

1984: Attending University of Arkansas

From 1984 to 1987, John Daly attended the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship, marking a period of his formal education and golf development.

1987: Leaving University of Arkansas

From 1984 to 1987, John Daly attended the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship, marking a period of his formal education and golf development.

1987: Daly Marries Dale Crafton

In 1987, John Daly married Dale Crafton, a hand model from a wealthy family in Arkansas. Daly was trying to support his wife and himself by making it to the PGA Tour but was miserable living in Blytheville, her hometown.

1989: Hospitalized for alcohol poisoning

From 1989 to 1993, John Daly was hospitalized four times for alcohol poisoning.

1990: Daly and Crafton Divorce

In 1990, John Daly and Dale Crafton divorced due to irreconcilable differences.

1990: Quit drinking whiskey

In 1990, John Daly claimed he quit drinking whiskey, opting for other alcoholic drinks because whiskey was interfering too much with his golf game.

December 1992: Daly Charged with Assault

In December 1992, John Daly was charged with third-degree assault for allegedly throwing his second wife, Bettye Fulford, into a wall at their home near Denver. The circumstances of the incident were unclear, and Bettye did not pursue the matter. Daly has stated that he has never hit or hurt a woman.

1993: Entered alcohol rehab

In late 1993, John Daly entered alcohol rehab. After rehab, he reportedly went on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol.

July 1994: Claimed many PGA golfers were cocaine users

In July 1994, John Daly claimed that many PGA golfers were cocaine users, and said that if drug testing was done properly on tour, he would be "one of the cleanest guys out there". This statement brought an uproar among the pro golf community.

1994: Candy and burger binges

In 1994, John Daly was reportedly on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol. This was in full force when Daly won the 1994 BellSouth Classic.

June 1, 1995: Birth of Daly's Daughter

On June 1, 1995, a daughter was born to John Daly and Paulette Dean.

1995: Continuing with Golf and Drinking Habits

After winning the 1995 Open Championship, John Daly continued with his golf game and drinking habits, leading to a win drought.

1995: Candy and burger binges

In 1995, John Daly was reportedly on candy and burger eating binges to reduce the need to drink alcohol. This was in full force when Daly won the 1995 Open Championship.

1996: Reportedly started drinking alcohol again

In 1996, John Daly reportedly started drinking alcohol again, claiming he only drank a few beers.

1997: Second time in alcohol rehabilitation center

In 1997, John Daly fell back into his excessive drinking habits and checked himself into an alcohol rehabilitation center for the second time. He also lost his sponsorships with Wilson and Reebok during this time.

1998: Suffered alcoholic shakes at Greater Vancouver Open

During the 1998 season, while John Daly was recovering from alcoholism, he suffered alcoholic shakes during the first round of the Greater Vancouver Open.

1999: Relapsed and lost sponsorship with Callaway

During the 1999 season, John Daly relapsed and started drinking again after missing the cut at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. He then lost his sponsorship with Callaway due to his relapse.

1999: Daly and Dean Divorce

In 1999, John Daly and Paulette Dean divorced.

1999: Daly's Gambling Losses and Financial Struggles

In 1999, it was reported that John Daly had lost $51 million from gambling in the mid-1990s. The effects of his gambling habits led to him selling his Mercedes and his house in California. Daly faced difficulties paying alimony, child support, and other expenses due to financial strain from gambling losses and struggles in his career.

2000: Drinking on and off during the decade

Starting in 2000, John Daly reportedly drank on and off throughout the decade. However, it seemed he had a lot more control over his drinking habits and rowdy behavior during the 2000s.

July 29, 2001: Daly Marries Sherrie Miller

On July 29, 2001, John Daly married Sherrie Miller.

July 23, 2003: Birth of Daly's Son

On July 23, 2003, John Daly and Sherrie Miller's son was born.

2004: Appearance in Tiger Woods PGA Tour Video Game

In 2004, John Daly appeared in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game series.

October 2005: Daly Loses $1.5 Million Gambling After Tournament

In October 2005, John Daly lost $1.5 million gambling after winning half that amount at the WGC-American Express tournament. He lost most of it on a $5,000 Las Vegas slot machine at Wynn Casino.

2005: Daly Sues Florida Times-Union for Libel

In 2005, John Daly sued the Florida Times-Union for libel after a columnist claimed Daly "failed the scoundrel sniff test."

2006: Daly Reveals Gambling Problem in Autobiography

In 2006, Daly revealed in his autobiography that he had lost between $50 and $60 million over a 15-year period due to his gambling problem.

2006: Launched John Daly Wines

In 2006, John Daly launched a wine label named John Daly Wines; the label later went defunct.

June 8, 2007: Daly and Sherrie Miller Get into a Fight

On June 8, 2007, John Daly and Sherrie Miller had a fight at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Daly claimed Sherrie attacked him with a steak knife later that night. He showed up for his second round with cuts and scrapes across his face. Authorities were contacted, but Sherrie had already left with their son.

2007: Backup vocals in Kid Rock song

In 2007, John Daly provided back-up vocals in the Kid Rock song, "Half Your Age".

Loading Video...

2007: Injury Sustained at Honda Classic

John Daly sustained an injury at the 2007 Honda Classic.

March 2008: Butch Harmon Quit as Swing Coach

In March 2008, John Daly's swing coach, Butch Harmon, quit, stating that "the most important thing in (Daly's) life is getting drunk." Daly responded by saying, "I think his lies kind of destroyed my life for a little bit."

October 26, 2008: Taken into protective custody by Winston-Salem police

On October 26, 2008, John Daly was taken into protective custody by Winston-Salem police after being found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant. He was not arrested or charged, but the police released his mug shot, resulting in negative publicity.

2008: Daly Wins Lawsuit Against Hippo Golf

In 2008, John Daly sued Hippo Golf for using his name on a golf club without his permission. The judge ruled in favor of Daly but denied his motion for Hippo Golf to pay damages.

December 8, 2009: Shed well over 100 pounds

John Daly had lap-band surgery in early 2009. As of December 8, 2009, Daly had shed well over 100 pounds and was "a slim, trim 185".

2009: Last Appearance in Tiger Woods PGA Tour Video Game

In 2009, John Daly made his last appearance in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour video game series.

2009: Libel Suit Dismissed; Daly Ordered to Pay Legal Fees

In 2009, a judge threw out John Daly's libel case against the Florida Times-Union, stating that Daly failed to prove the statements were untrue. Daly was also ordered to pay the newspaper over $300,000 in legal fees.

April 2010: Released second music album, I Only Know One Way

In April 2010, John Daly released his second music album titled "I Only Know One Way" on Long Ball Records/Hopesong Digital/GMV Nashville. He co-wrote eight tracks on the album. One track features Darius Rucker from Hootie And The Blowfish, and a cover of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door".

Loading Video...

December 17, 2010: Daly Awarded Custody of Son; Sherrie Jailed

On December 17, 2010, in Memphis, Circuit Court Judge Donna Fields awarded John Daly custody of his seven-year-old son with Sherrie Miller. Sherrie was jailed for interfering with Daly's court-ordered visitation rights and failing to abide by court orders in their ongoing divorce proceeding, with the judge citing "criminal contempt."

2010: Partnership with Oxygen Games for John Daly's Prostroke Golf

In 2010, John Daly partnered with publisher Oxygen Games for John Daly's Prostroke Golf, a video game for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. In the game, John Daly is both an instructor and an opponent for players across twelve courses modeled after real-world courses.

2010: Daly Sues Charity and PGA Tour

In 2010, John Daly sued a children's charity and the PGA Tour for $100 million related to an injury he sustained at the 2007 Honda Classic.

August 6, 2014: Interview on The Dan Patrick Show

In an interview on The Dan Patrick Show on August 6, 2014, John Daly said that much of his past struggle with alcohol was due to growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father.

2014: Signed an endorsement deal with Rock Bottom Golf

In 2014, John Daly signed an endorsement deal with Rock Bottom Golf, a discount golf retailer. He also has a partnership with the Loudmouth Golf line of clothing, which includes licensing deals with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks.

2015: Litigation Ongoing

As of 2015, the litigation between John Daly, a children's charity and the PGA Tour was still ongoing.

July 2019: Near-death experience due to spider bite

In July 2019, John Daly had a near-death experience after being reportedly bitten by a brown recluse spider while he was vacationing in England. He developed sepsis and required emergency surgery.

September 2020: Daly Announces Bladder Cancer Diagnosis

In September 2020, John Daly disclosed his recent diagnosis of bladder cancer. He underwent surgery, but doctors indicated an 85% chance of recurrence. Daly planned to adopt a healthier lifestyle, reducing smoking and consumption of Diet Coke, to lower the risk of the cancer returning.

2022: Daly Advocates for Cannabis Legalization in Arkansas

In 2022, John Daly advocated for the legalization of cannabis in Arkansas, endorsing a ballot measure that he claimed would generate "millions in new funding for our police, ... thousands of good jobs, [and] revenue for our state".