As of mid‑2025, John Daly’s net worth is estimated at roughly $2 million, a figure remarkably consistent across multiple reputable sources such as Celebrity Net Worth and Sportskeeda.
How We Got There:
Career earnings: Approximately $10.3 million in official PGA Tour prize money and an additional $1.7–1.8 million from unofficial events, giving a cumulative total of around $12 million earned on the course.
Endorsements and businesses: Long-time association with Loudmouth Golf, Callaway, and other brands, plus ventures like a golf course design firm (JD Designs), a defunct wine brand, cocktail line, and course projects.
Why Net Worth Dropped
Despite accumulating millions throughout his career, Daly has openly acknowledged substantial financial losses:
Gambling: Between $50 million and $60 million lost over about 15 years, often betting tens of thousands per hand or game.
Divorces: Multiple settlements across four marriages took a heavy financial toll.
Luxury lifestyle and taxes: Lavish spending, legal costs, and upkeep diluted his wealth over time.
Still Earning: Masters Merch & Media Cameos
Each spring, even though he no longer plays at Augusta, Daly earns around $780,000 annually from selling merch—hats, cigars, signed golf balls—near the Masters venue at a local Hooters. His folksy connection with fans fuels the business.
He also made a cameo in “Happy Gilmore 2” alongside Adam Sandler— a return to pop culture limelight that underscores his enduring appeal.
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Career Earnings | ~$12 million (official + unofficial) |
| Net Worth (Current) | ~$2 million |
| Gambling Losses | ~$50M–$60M |
| Annual Merch Income | ~$780K (Masters merchandise) |
| Endorsements & Ventures | Loudmouth, golf course design, etc. |
The Man Beyond the Numbers
John Daly is more than his finances—he’s a cultural icon in golf. Known as “Wild Thing” or “Big John,” his driving style was legendary: the first to average over 300‑yard drives during a full season and he led the PGA Tour in driving distance 11 times. Off‑course, his flamboyant outfits—like psychedelic Skull pants—made headlines as much as his swing style.
He’s battled health scares (including bladder cancer and multiple surgeries), but continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions circuit and remains a fan favorite thanks to his authenticity and resilience.