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 an American professional golfer celebrated for his prodigious driving distance and unconventional persona. He gained fame with his unexpected 1991 PGA Championship victory and further solidified his reputation by winning the 1995 Open Championship in a playoff. Despite his talent, Daly is also known for the inconsistency of his play and his turbulent personal life. His 'zero-to-hero' story and powerful swing have made him a popular figure in the world of golf.

Sections (6)

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

April 28, 1966: John Daly Born

On April 28, 1966, John Patrick Daly was born. He would become an American professional golfer known for his driving distance, non-country-club persona, long backswing, and inconsistent play.

1983: High School Accomplishments

In 1983, John Daly's Helias football team achieved a 10-0 record, with Daly handling punting and place-kicking duties. In golf, Daly became a Missouri state team HS champion with Helias and set several Helias school kicking records in football.

1984: Attended University of Arkansas

In 1984, John Daly started attending the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship and became a member of the golf team.

1987: Marriage to Dale Crafton

In 1987, John Daly married Dale Crafton, a hand model from a wealthy family in Arkansas. Daly was trying to make it to the PGA Tour to support them both, but he was unhappy living in her hometown.

1987: Attended University of Arkansas until 1987

John Daly attended the University of Arkansas from 1984 until 1987 on a golf scholarship.

1990: Divorce from Dale Crafton

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

December 1992: Assault Charge

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. Bettye did not pursue the matter, and Daly denied the allegations in his autobiography.

June 1, 1995: Birth of Daughter

On June 1, 1995, John Daly and his third wife, Paulette Dean, had a daughter.

1999: Divorce from Paulette Dean

In 1999, John Daly and his third wife, Paulette Dean, divorced.

1999: Gambling Losses and Financial Struggles

In 1999, it was reported that John Daly lost $51 million from gambling in the mid-1990s. As a result, he had to sell his Mercedes and his house in California. Daly also struggled to pay alimony, child support, and other expenses.

July 29, 2001: Marriage to Sherrie Miller

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

July 23, 2003: Birth of Son

On July 23, 2003, John Daly and his wife, Sherrie Miller, had a son.

October 2005: Gambling Losses after WGC-American Express

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

2005: Libel Lawsuit Against Florida Times-Union

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

2006: Autobiography Reveals Gambling Problem

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.

June 8, 2007: Fight with Sherrie Miller

On June 8, 2007, John Daly and his wife, Sherrie Miller, had a fight at a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Daly claimed Sherrie later attacked him with a steak knife and showed up to his second round with cuts and scrapes. Sherrie fled the scene with their son, and authorities were contacted.

2007: Injury at Honda Classic

In 2007, John Daly sustained an injury at the Honda Classic.

2008: 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 the motion for Hippo Golf to pay Daly any damages.

2009: Libel Suit Dismissed

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

December 17, 2010: Custody Awarded to Daly

On December 17, 2010, in Memphis, Circuit Court Judge Donna Fields awarded custody of John Daly's seven-year-old son to him and jailed Sherrie for interfering with Daly's court-ordered visitation rights and other failures to abide by the court's orders in their divorce proceeding.

2010: Lawsuit Against Charity and PGA Tour

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

2015: Litigation Ongoing

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

2022: Advocacy for Cannabis Legalization

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