An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. That is very true in the case of John Daly. The fan-favorite pro has vowed many a crowd with his golfing expertise, and now it seems like his son, who currently plays collegiate golf at the University of Arkansas, has taken over the reins.

John Daly II has secured the victory at the Columbia Spring Invitational hosted by the Columbia Men’s Golf Team. The event, which was held at the Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania, was a 36-hole tournament conducted over one day. Golfers from Dartmouth, Yale, and Columbia featured along with Arkansas in the competition. Daly II secured a score of one under par, tying with two others. He clinched the victory after a scorecard playoff. He was brilliant throughout the day, registering two eagles and five birdies en route to his victory.

His father, who knows a thing or two about winning, was quick to congratulate the youngster. John Daly put a story that had a photo of his son holding the trophy with the caption, “Congrats to my son @johndaly11 for winning the 36 hole @culionsmgolf #soproud.” He followed that by posting Daly II’s scorecard at the event. The first image also had a few animated shining stars around it, special effects added by John Daly himself. That is a proud father!

This was the 21-year-old’s first collegiate tournament victory and was celebrated by his college as well, who posted his scorecard on their official Instagram page. Daly II, just like his father, has been a part of the Arkansas Razorbacks for three years now. This will be a huge stepping stone for his college career and will be the push he needs to make an impact on the Korn Ferry Tour and possibly, the PGA Tour in the future.

John Daly has taken an active fan role in his son’s career, putting up several of his accomplishments as stories or posts on Instagram. When John Daly II qualified for the US Amateur Championship, the older Daly was quick to put up a congratulatory post on Instagram, celebrating his success. “Congrats to my son @johndalyll …he’s headed to @hazeltinenational for the US Amateur great playing!! Love you son!”  he wrote. Then there was the time when he could not attend his son’s KFT debut, but he did encourage him with words like “Go get ’em little John. Grip it and rip it.” and “I got you son! LFG!”

He also did the same before his son’s debut on the Korn Ferry Tour, last year, putting out a story with the caption, “I got you son! LFG!”

John Daly II’s growing career

So far, the younger Daly has only featured once in the Korn Ferry Tour. He played in the Compliance Solutions Championship in June 2024, where he missed the cut after scoring four over par. Not bad for a first outing.

His collegiate career has been very solid as well. In the 2023-24 season, he became the only Razorback to post top 20 finishes in the first six events of the year, which included two top 10s. He also helped the Razorbacks to win the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate in February 2025. Daly II had shot 18 birdies during the event.

John Daly II already has a taste of the best in the world when he won the PNC Championship alongside his father in 2021. He was also runner-up in 2018 and 2022. Do you think the youngster could make a big splash on the PGA Tour, if and when he finally goes up?