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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Sports Desk • Golf

John Daly

John Daly is an American professional golfer known for his long driving distance, colorful personality, and two major championship wins.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

John Daly is an American professional golfer who won the 1991 PGA Championship and 1995 Open Championship, known for his powerful drives and unconventional style.

Who he is

John Patrick Daly was born April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California. He turned professional in 1987 and joined the PGA Tour in 1991, quickly winning his first major as a rookie. His long-driving ability earned him the nickname 'Long John.' He has 19 professional wins and remains active on the PGA Tour Champions.

Major victories and style

Daly's two major wins came in 1991 at the PGA Championship and 1995 at The Open Championship, where he beat Costantino Rocca in a playoff at St Andrews. His free-swinging technique and exceptional driving distance defined his game. Off the course, his colourful personality made him a fan favourite.

Why it matters

Daly is one of golf's most recognizable figures, especially in Canada, where fans follow international events. His two major titles and enduring presence on senior tours highlight a career that defied convention. He remains a periodic competitor, not a full-time contender, but his legacy as a power hitter endures.

In short

  • Two major championships: 1991 PGA Championship and 1995 Open Championship
  • Known for exceptionally long driving distance and 'Long John' nickname
  • 19 professional wins and ongoing play on PGA Tour Champions
  • Colourful personality makes him a standout in golf history
Canadian angle

John Daly is well known to Canadian golf fans as one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities and a two-time major winner who has played in international events followed in Canada.

Quick questions

Who is John Daly?
John Daly is an American professional golfer best known for winning two major championships and for his exceptional driving distance.
How many majors has John Daly won?
John Daly has won 2 major championships.
Is John Daly still playing golf?
Yes. He continues to compete intermittently, including on the PGA Tour Champions and in special events.

Sources

  1. PGA TOUR — https://www.pgatour.com/player/01249/john-daly
    Supports: Birth year, age, turned professional, and current competitive status.
  2. John Daly official biography — https://johndaly.com/bio/
    Supports: Major wins, nickname, career highlights, and general playing reputation.
  3. The Open — https://www.theopen.com/players/john-daly
    Supports: 1995 Open Championship victory and career summary.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Daly_(golfer)
    Supports: Professional wins total and ongoing participation on PGA Tour Champions.
  5. Encyclopedia of Arkansas — https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/john-patrick-daly-3051/
    Supports: Birth date and early life details.