John Daly: Health, Gambling, and Golf Legacy | Latest Updates

Born: April 28, 1966 ·
PGA Tour Wins: 5 ·
Major Championships: 2 (1991 PGA Championship, 1995 The Open Championship) ·
Divorces: 4 ·
Suspensions from PGA Tour: Multiple (for conduct, alcohol, gambling) ·
Estimated Gambling Losses: Over $50 million (self-reported)

Eight key facts, one pattern: John Daly’s life is a series of high highs and low lows, each measured in precise numbers.

What did John Daly get diagnosed with?

Bladder cancer diagnosis details

• Daly publicly revealed his bladder cancer diagnosis in September 2020, according to ESPN (sports news outlet).
• He underwent a procedure to remove the cancer and was told there was a high chance of recurrence — his urologist quoted an 85% chance (ESPN).
• Sanford Health News (healthcare system) reported that Daly underwent surgery shortly after diagnosis and then chemotherapy.

The implication: Daly’s medical journey reflects a pattern of vigilance and resilience against recurring odds.

John Daly’s public health update

• Daly revealed the diagnosis on a Thursday and then played the Sanford International that weekend, per Golf.com (golf news site).
• In 2025, Yahoo Sports (sports news outlet) reported that Daly had undergone 16 procedures over the years for various health issues.
• Fox News (news network) reported in 2025 that Daly said his bladder cancer had been in remission for four years.

The implication: Daly continues to play golf while managing a chronic condition, a pattern that mirrors his entire career — always pushing through personal pain for the game.

Was John Daly ever sober?

History of alcohol abuse

• Daly has publicly stated he has struggled with alcoholism, leading to multiple suspensions from the PGA Tour (The Telegraph (UK newspaper)).
• He has had periods of sobriety but often relapsed. In an ESPN interview, he said, “I don’t regret falling off the wagon” (ESPN).

Public statements on sobriety

• Daly has never claimed permanent sobriety. His attitude is that he will drink when he wants, and he does not apologize for it.
• His drinking has been linked to on-course incidents and suspensions, including a 2008 suspension for alcohol-related conduct (The Telegraph).

What this means: Daly’s relationship with alcohol is a defining feature of his public persona, and he has made peace with it — even if the PGA Tour hasn’t.

How much has John Daly lost in gambling?

Self-reported gambling losses

• Daly admitted to losing over $50 million gambling. In a 2016 interview with Golf Digest (golf lifestyle magazine), he estimated losses between $50 million and $60 million.
• His autobiography detailed that he gambled away about $50 million, as reported by The Telegraph.

Financial impact on his career

• He has sold major championship trophies and other items to pay debts.
• The losses have affected his net worth, which is estimated at around $2 million (2025), a fraction of what many of his peers have.

The pattern: Daly’s financial story is a cautionary tale about the hidden costs of addiction — even when you’re winning on the course, the losses keep piling up off it.

How many divorces has John Daly had?

Marriage and divorce timeline

• Daly has been married four times, all ending in divorce, according to his biographical profiles.
• His marriages include: Dale (1987–1990), Bettye (1992–1995), Paulette (1995–1998), and Sherrie (2001–2005).

Child custody and family

• He has two children: Shynah Hale Daly (born 1992) and John Patrick Daly II (born 2003).
• Custody and child support have been part of the divorce settlements.

The catch: Four divorces reflect a pattern of instability that mirrors his career — a life lived in fast motion, with relationships often taking the back seat to golf and partying.

Why was John Daly suspended from golf?

Alcohol-related suspensions

• Daly was suspended multiple times by the PGA Tour for alcohol abuse and conduct unbecoming a professional. According to The Telegraph, his personnel file shows 11 citations for conduct unbecoming a professional and 21 for failure to give best effort.
• He was fined nearly $100,000 and suspended for several events.

Conduct violations

• In addition to alcohol, Daly was suspended for gambling-related issues and inappropriate behavior on course.
• These suspensions impacted his tournament eligibility and limited his ability to earn prize money.

Why this matters: Daly’s suspensions are not just footnotes — they are a direct consequence of his refusal to conform to the PGA Tour’s strict code of conduct, and they cost him millions in potential earnings.

Do John Daly and Tiger Woods like each other?

Public interactions and friendship

• Daly and Woods have a friendly relationship. They have been seen joking together at events, including a widely shared video of a lighthearted exchange.
• Daly has praised Woods in interviews, calling him the greatest golfer of all time.

Quotes from both golfers

• Daly told ESPN that Woods has been supportive of him during his health battles.
• Woods has not publicly criticized Daly, and the two seem to share a mutual respect.

The pattern: In a sport often defined by rivalries, the Daly-Woods friendship is a rare feel-good story — two vastly different personalities who found common ground.

What is John Daly’s net worth and age?

Current net worth estimate

• Daly’s net worth is estimated around $2 million as of 2025, according to various financial reports.
• This is relatively low for a two-time major winner, but factors like gambling losses, divorces, and fines have taken a toll.

Biographical details

• He is 60 years old (born April 28, 1966).
• He continues playing on PGA Tour Champions, where he remains a fan favorite.

The trade-off: Daly traded long-term financial security for a life lived large — and given the chance, he’d probably do it again.

Timeline

• April 28, 1966 — John Daly born in Carmichael, California.
• 1987 — Turned professional.
• 1991 — Won PGA Championship (major win) (ESPN).
• 1995 — Won The Open Championship (major win) (ESPN).
• 2000s — Multiple suspensions from PGA Tour for alcohol and conduct (Telegraph).
• 2010s — Revealed $50 million+ gambling losses; sold memorabilia (Golf Digest).
• 2020 — Diagnosed with bladder cancer; underwent surgery and chemotherapy (ESPN).
• 2024 — Still eligible for PGA Championship and The Open; continues playing.

The pattern: Daly’s career is defined by its extremes — sporting glory against personal ruin.

Quotes

“I lost $50 million, maybe more.”

— John Daly, on his gambling losses (Golf Digest)

“I don’t regret falling off the wagon.”

— John Daly, on his alcohol relapse (ESPN)

“I’m going to beat this.”

— John Daly, on his cancer diagnosis (Sanford Health News)

(Joking exchange with Tiger Woods at a tournament, captured on video.)

— Reddit video (social media)

John Daly’s story is far from over. The next chapter will likely involve more golf, more health checks, and more unfiltered honesty. For fans who have followed him for three decades, that’s exactly what they want. For the PGA Tour, it’s a reminder that some players can’t be tamed — and maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Frequently asked questions

For more on the intersection of gambling and fame, read Omar Sharif: Actor, Gambler, Hollywood Icon. For another sports figure who faced public controversy, see Stuart Hogg: Conviction, MBE Stripped & Net Worth.