Absent John Daly Sends Stirring 5-Word Reminder to Son Hours Before Big Korn Ferry Tour Moment

Times move fast! It was just in 2021 at the PNC Championship that the father-son duo, John Daly and John Daly Jr. lifted the cup after beating Tiger Woods and his son by just two strokes, scoring an overall 27 under. And now, at the age of 20, Jr. Daly is going to make his debut at the Compliance Solutions Championship of the Korn Ferry Tournament. But the question arises: Will John Daly be there cheering for his son at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman?

Sadly, the answer is no. Recently, Daly Sr. has clarified his intentions regarding his presence at his son’s debut. According to an Instagram post shared by the official account of the Korn Ferry Tournament, the veteran golfer is not going to be attending his son’s debut. In the video, John Daly told the fans that he was pretty excited about little John’s debut. However, he had to address the reason for his absence from the upcoming debut of his blood. He said, “Unfortunately, I can’t be there to support him. I’ll be playing in the DICK’s Open Championship in Endicott.” 

The dates of the event he is participating in will coincide with his son’s debut tournament, with both taking place from June 21 to 23. The 58-year-old showed how good of a father he was by sensing is son’s mix of nerves and anticipation on his debut. The five time PGA Tour winner slipped in an encouragement filled one liner, “Go get ’em little John. Grip it and rip it.” This was not enough for the father within John Daly, as the veteran golfer put up an Instagram story sending a five-word good luck message: “I got you son! LFG!”

John Daly has become one of the most well-known figures in the golf world, evolving from the “bad boy of golf” to being celebrated for his incredible strength, reflected in his monstrous drives that have reached over 300 yards (remember the 1997 Buick Invitational?). His success is not limited to the American circuit; he has also garnered wins on the European circuit. But what about his 20-year-old son? How does he fare on the course?

How Daly Jr. has been on the greens?

Well, it looks like John Daly Jr. is walking in the footsteps of his father. Even the veteran can’t deny that, as according to Golf Monthly, Daly has already expressed that he believes his son will be a better player than him, “I can’t keep up with him now. He hits it so far.” The veteran kept going with the praises and further added about the putting skills that little John manifests, “He’s so strong; that’s why he hits it so far. Every part of his body is working. I hit a couple of drives and some really good wedges (last year), but it was really all him. He hit some great putts.”

Talking about Junior’s significant achievements and stats, one will find that Daly II is surely one of the rising talents to look out for. Daly Jr. has many accomplishments to boast of when it comes to collegiate golf. He has won the Sung Hyun Park Junior Championship, finished second at the AJGA Junior Championship, and finished 5th at the Justin Thomas Junior Championship. Talking about Daly II’s entry into the Compliance Solutions Championship, he received a sponsor exemption into it. Additionally, in the eight events last season, he had a 71.78 stroke average and two top-10 finishes.

Although John Daly Sr. will not be attending his son’s Korn Ferry Tour debut, he has made sure to let his son know that his support is always by his side through his heartwarming wishes. It remains to be seen how effective those wishes will be at the tournament.