“How do you get into this guy’s head?” Grant Horvat asked Phil Mickelson about facing John Daly before the thrilling 2v2 match. Mickelson turned to young John Daly II for insight. The response? “I’ve been trying to figure that out for a very long time.” Everyone burst into laughter. Despite their contrasting styles – Mickelson’s calculated precision versus Daly’s grip-it-and-rip-it approach – their relationship has evolved beyond competition, into mutual respect and genuine camaraderie. This evolution was on full display recently when the next generation entered the spotlight.

Recently, John Daly II, the 21-year-old University of Arkansas golfer, claimed his first collegiate victory at the Columbia Spring Invitational. Young Daly secured the win with an impressive one-under-par performance, including two eagles and five birdies throughout the 36-hole tournament. After tying with two other competitors, he clinched the title through a scorecard playoff, continuing the Daly legacy on collegiate greens. Lefty wasted no time congratulating the young golfer on social media.

“That’s awesome. Great playing and congratulations on your first win!” Mickelson wrote in response to the PGA Tour’s announcement. He couldn’t resist adding a playful jab: “(It sure wasn’t happening against Grant and me :)”  Mickelson recently played 18 holes with John Daly and his son for the second episode of his 2v2 Series on YouTube. Lefty, paired with Grant Hovart, won. It was a fun video featuring plenty of trash talk and memorable moments. Daly even used a drink can as a tee while smoking a cigarette.

This friendly interaction might surprise golf fans who are familiar with Daly-Mickelson’s history. Their relationship spans decades of contrasting styles and occasional competitive tensions. Mickelson, a six-time major champion known for his technical brilliance and creative shot-making, has amassed 45 PGA Tour victories throughout his meticulous career. Daly, meanwhile, burst onto the scene as golf’s ultimate maverick with his shocking 1991 PGA Championship win as a ninth alternate, becoming famous for his 300-yard drives and unapologetically authentic approach to the game.

The elder Daly was understandably proud of his son’s achievement. He quickly shared the news on social media with a heartfelt message. “Congrats to my son @johndaly11 for winning the 36 hole @culionsmgolf #soproud,” the two-time major champion posted. He even decorated the image with animated stars, showing his fatherly pride.

Mickelson’s supportive message represents a significant evolution in his relationship with the Daly family. The gesture demonstrates how rivalries in golf often mature into mutual respect. This transformation becomes especially evident as careers progress into different phases.

From competitors to collaborators: The evolving Daly-Mickelson dynamic

The Daly-Mickelson rivalry never reached the intensity of Woods-Mickelson or Nicklaus-Palmer. Both turned professional around the same time in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, their careers followed distinctly different trajectories.

Their competitive history includes memorable moments like their 2006 match at La Costa. Mickelson won that contest 2 and 1. After the match, he acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding their competition. “It was a match that we didn’t want to have a loser,” Mickelson said at the time.

In recent years, their relationship has transformed from rivalry to collaboration, as their YouTube collaboration shows.  They’ve also found common ground on issues affecting the sport. When Mickelson criticized USGA rule changes limiting driver length in 2021, Daly publicly supported him. “I totally agree with you, brother,” Daly responded on social media. 

The evolution of their relationship reflects a broader pattern in golf. Competitive tensions often soften with time, giving way to mutual respect and even friendship. Mickelson’s supportive message to John Daly II represents the latest chapter in this ongoing story. As John Daly II continues building his golf legacy, will he develop his rivalries? Or will he benefit from the bridges his father has built throughout his colorful career? Only time will tell.