John Daly (golfer)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Daly (golfer).

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

1927: Ryder Cup Began

Since the Ryder Cup began in 1927, John Daly is the only man from either Europe or the United States to win two major golf championships but not be selected for the Ryder Cup.

1983: Missouri State Amateur Championship Win

In 1983, John Daly achieved his first significant golf success by winning the Missouri State Amateur Championship.

1984: Arkansas State Amateur Championship Win

In 1984, John Daly won the Arkansas State Amateur Championship, continuing his success in amateur golf.

1987: Turned professional and won Missouri Open

In the summer of 1987, John Daly turned professional after leaving college, and shortly afterward, he secured his first professional victory at the Missouri Open.

1990: Won Ben Hogan Utah Classic

In 1990, John Daly won the Ben Hogan Utah Classic.

1991: PGA Championship Victory

In 1991, John Daly achieved a "zero-to-hero" victory in the PGA Championship. This was one of his two greatest on-course accomplishments.

1991: Joined PGA Tour and won PGA Championship

In 1991, John Daly joined the PGA Tour and, as the ninth alternate, won the PGA Championship, gaining significant media attention. He finished 3rd place at the 1991 Tour Championship. He was subsequently named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 1991.

1991: Led PGA Tour in driving distance

In 1991, John Daly led the PGA Tour in driving distance.

1992: Won the B.C. Open

In 1992, John Daly won the B.C. Open by six strokes, marking his second PGA Tour title after struggling as the defending champion at the 1992 PGA Championship.

1993: Won Alfred Dunhill Cup

In 1993, John Daly won the Alfred Dunhill Cup with Fred Couples and Payne Stewart. This was his least successful year since joining the PGA Tour.

1994: Won BellSouth Classic

In 1994, after being suspended and entering alcohol rehab, John Daly returned to the Tour to win the BellSouth Classic, his third PGA Tour title and claimed to be his first sober win.

1995: Won The Open Championship

After winning the 1995 Open Championship, John Daly would continue with his golf game and drinking habits, causing him to suffer a four-year win drought on the European Tour and a nine-year win drought on the PGA Tour.

1995: Open Championship Victory

In 1995, John Daly secured a playoff victory over Costantino Rocca in the Open Championship, marking another significant achievement in his career.

1996: Won AT&T Australian Skins Game

In 1996, John Daly's only win was at the AT&T Australian Skins Game, which was neither a PGA or European Tour event.

1997: First PGA Tour player to average 300+ yards per drive

In 1997, according to official performance statistics, Daly became the first PGA Tour player to average over 300 yards per drive over a full season.

1999: Averaged 300+ yards per drive

In 1999, Daly continued to average more than 300 yards per drive over a full season on the PGA Tour.

1999: Won the JCPenney Classic

In 1999, John Daly won the JCPenney Classic, which was neither a PGA or European Tour event. Daly also said he would never play in the U.S. Open again, although he would later apologize.

2001: Won BMW International Open

In 2001, John Daly won the BMW International Open by one stroke over Pádraig Harrington, with a personal best score of 27 under par for four rounds. This was the first time Daly had won a European Tour event in six years. He would also have his best PGA Tour season since 1995, where his best result was finishing 4th at the Bell Canadian Open.