Born on July 23, 2003, John Patrick Daly II has garnered attention for his golfing prowess from a young age. The reason? Well, he is the son of golf’s very own bad boy, John Daly. Daly shares his only son with his fourth wife, Sherrie Miller. Named after his father, the young golfer is known as Little John. By the time he turned 6 years old, Daly Jr. started showing much interest in golf. He frequently accompanied his father to various golf events, and by the time he turned 10, he had participated in numerous junior golf tournaments.
These experiences, coupled with John Daly Sr.’s successful career and unique style, sparked Little John’s passion for the sport. However, becoming a successful golfer requires more than just being the son of a professional; it demands dedication, skill, relentless effort, and, of course, a college. Which can be honed through rigorous training in school and college golf programs.
But where does John Daly II study in college after graduating from Montverde Academy?
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In November 2020, Little John committed to play college golf at the University of Arkansas, following in his father’s footsteps, as Daly Sr. is an alumni of the same university and a Razorback golfer from 1984–87. He solidified his commitment in September 2021, as he became a freshman at Arkansas and played on the Razorbacks’ golf team.
The two-time major winner said, “Proud of my son and so happy he became a #Razorback today! Today is their day!” Expressing how joyful a moment it was for him as a father. The University of Arkansas has a strong golf program.
During his freshman year in the 2021–22 season, he only competed in one event, the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, where he played as an individual, scoring rounds of 83, 68, and 78, totaling 229 strokes with an average score of 76.33. In the 2022–23 season, Little John redshirted, focusing on his development and academics. However, the 2023–24 season marked his return as a redshirt sophomore, where he demonstrated significant improvement.
Throughout the season, he played 23 rounds, accumulating 1651 strokes with an average score of 71.78, along with three eagles, 74 birdies, and 261 pars. However, his notable performances included a T-7 finish at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate with a score of 208 (-8). These performances showcased Daly Jr.’s potential and growth as a collegiate golfer. Little John is about to make his KFT debut, a step that is indeed going to be a stepping stone in his future career.
John Daly is excited for his son’s debut
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Daly Jr. will play in the Compliance Solutions Championship from June 20 at Jimmie Austin GC. But this time Daly Sr. won’t be alongside him as he will be playing in Dick’s Open Championship in Endicott. The golfer is sad to not be there to support his son, but at the same is excited for him. His message is clear: “Grip it and rip it,” as posted on the official KFT X handle. John Daly shared that Little John is nervous for the tournament, but at the same he is eagerly looking forward to it.
Grip it and rip it 🏌️♂️
John Daly II will make his #KornFerryTour debut at this week’s @cschampgolf. pic.twitter.com/RQwNtdSlKW
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) June 17, 2024
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Team Daly has been playing in the PNC Championship since 2016 when Daly II was just 13 years old. And in December 2021, Little John and his father won the PNC Championship. Feeling happy with the results, Daly Sr. said, “It’s just one of the highlights of my life. To be able to play in a PGA Tour event with your son and win, it’s pretty special.” They swept out the course, defeating Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods, by two shots during the 36-hole competition at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.
As we move on to the next chapter with the Daly duo, one thing is pretty sure now. “Little” John Daly is not so little anymore. What are your thoughts about his KFT debut?