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59 And Still Swinging: Inside John Daly's Wild 2025 Comeback And Current Health Battles

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Professional golf's most unpredictable icon, John Daly, is currently 59 years old, an age that places him firmly in the senior circuit of the PGA Tour Champions. Born on April 28, 1966, "Long John" continues to defy expectations and battle persistent health challenges, making his 2025 schedule a focal point for fans who track the legendary golfer's every move. Despite emergency hand surgery in early 2025 and ongoing struggles with arthritis, Daly remains a prominent, if colorful, fixture in the sport, often accompanied by his signature look and, notably, a golf cart on the course.

The latest updates, as of December 2025, show that Daly is balancing a reduced but competitive schedule with his recovery. His decision to prioritize certain PGA Tour Champions events over major appearances, such as skipping the 2025 PGA Championship, highlights his focus on managing his health while still pursuing the game he loves. This strategic approach to his late-career years is a testament to the enduring spirit of the man often called "The Wild Thing."

John Daly: A Complete Biographical Profile and Career Overview

John Patrick Daly’s career is one of the most storied and unconventional in modern golf history. From his stunning major championship victories to his well-documented struggles off the course, his life has been a perpetual headline. The following is a detailed look at the man behind the "Wild Thing" nickname:

  • Full Name: John Patrick Daly
  • Nickname: Long John, Wild Thing, Big John, JD, The Lion
  • Date of Birth: April 28, 1966
  • Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 59 years old
  • Birthplace: Carmichael, California
  • Collegiate Golf: University of Arkansas Razorbacks
  • Turned Professional: 1987
  • PGA Tour Debut: 1991
  • Major Championship Wins: Two (1991 PGA Championship, 1995 Open Championship)
  • PGA Tour Victories: 5 Total
  • PGA Tour Champions Debut: 2016 (after turning 50)
  • PGA Tour Champions Wins: 1 (2017 Insperity Invitational)
  • Current Tour Status: PGA Tour Champions
  • Spouse: Anna Cladakis (fiancée/partner)
  • Children: Shingo, Sierra, and John Daly II
  • Net Worth Estimate (2025): Approximately $2–3 Million (Openly admitted to losing tens of millions to gambling)
  • Caddie: Currently relies on various caddies, including his son, John Daly II, for the PNC Championship.
  • Notable Health Battles: Bladder Cancer (diagnosed 2020), Severe Osteoarthritis, Emergency Hand Surgery (2025)

The 2025 Schedule: Health, Strategy, and Skipping the PGA Championship

As John Daly navigates his late 50s, his golf schedule has become a delicate balance between competitive desire and physical necessity. The year 2025 has already proven to be one of strategic choices, centered on his ongoing health management.

Emergency Surgery and Recovery

In early 2025, Daly underwent emergency surgery on his hand, a procedure that significantly impacted his early-season play. The surgery, coupled with his chronic severe osteoarthritis, has made every tournament a physical challenge. Daly has been open about the pain, once stating that waking up is a daily battle. His use of a golf cart under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) exemption on the PGA Tour Champions is a direct result of this debilitating arthritis.

The recovery process has been "brutal," according to Daly, but he remains committed to playing. Fans saw him line up for events like the Legends Tour’s flagship Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in 2024 and he has already confirmed his return to the Sanford International for the 2025 tournament.

Prioritizing the Regions Tradition

The most telling decision of Daly’s 2025 season is his choice to skip the PGA Championship—a major he is exempt for as a past winner—in favor of the Regions Tradition, a major on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Both events are scheduled for the same week in May.

His reasoning is pragmatic and financially driven. He noted that playing the PGA Championship could result in a missed cut and a minimal payout, whereas playing the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama, guarantees a spot in a major where he can be competitive and earn a better living. This choice perfectly encapsulates the reality of a senior golfer balancing legacy with livelihood.

A Full Slate of Champions Golf

Despite the physical ailments, Daly announced a robust 19-match schedule for 2025, including several key PGA Tour Champions events. This commitment shows his passion for the game has not waned. His appearances are a huge draw for the senior tour, bringing in crowds eager to see "Long John" bomb drives and attempt his signature high-risk, high-reward shots. The full 2025 PGA Tour Champions season will conclude with the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Next Generation: John Daly II’s Rising Golf Career

One of the most exciting developments in the Daly narrative is the emergence of his son, John Daly II, often referred to as "Little John." The younger Daly is proving to be a highly talented golfer in his own right, creating a powerful legacy narrative for the family.

Collegiate and Amateur Success

John Daly II currently plays collegiate golf for the University of Arkansas, following in his father’s footsteps. In 2025, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the Southern Amateur Championship, demonstrating his potential to become a professional star. He has also advanced to the Round of 32 in the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship, showcasing his competitive edge on the amateur circuit.

PNC Championship Dominance

The father-son duo has become a fan-favorite at the annual PNC Championship, a tournament for major winners and their family members. In December 2021, the pair won the event, setting a tournament record of 27-under par. "Little John’s" clutch putting and long-driving ability have drawn comparisons to his famous father, creating a unique and heartwarming story for golf fans.

The success of John Daly II is a major factor in his father's current outlook. Daly senior has been a proud mentor, and the opportunity to compete alongside his son, even as his own health declines, provides a powerful motivation to remain active in the sport. The joint sponsorships and commercial appearances they now share further solidify their status as golf's most recognizable, multi-generational pair.

The Enduring Legacy of "The Wild Thing"

John Daly's 59th year is a continuation of a life lived large and loud. His career is defined by the unexpected, from his wire-to-wire victory as the ninth alternate in the 1991 PGA Championship to his dramatic playoff win at the 1995 Open Championship in St Andrews.

Even with his personal and financial struggles—including admitting to losing tens of millions of dollars to gambling—Daly remains one of the most relatable and beloved figures in the sport. His "grip it and rip it" philosophy, his colorful attire, and his refusal to conform have cemented his place as a counter-culture icon in golf.

As he enters the final stretch of his competitive career, John Daly’s age is not just a number; it’s a milestone that speaks to his resilience. He continues to fight his health battles, support his son's rising career, and entertain the masses on the PGA Tour Champions. For fans, every swing from "Long John" is a reminder of a golfing era defined by power, personality, and pure, unbridled passion.

john daly age
john daly age

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