John Daly II Breaks Silence On Mounting Pressure of Carrying a ‘Famous Last Name’

John Daly II, son of two-time major champion John Daly, is already making his mark in the world of golf. He clinched his first collegiate victory at the 2025 Columbia Spring Invitational. Daly II’s blend of talent and determination makes him a promising player of the next generation. However, coming from a position where his last name has become a household name, it can at times feel less like a validation and more like a tag of expectations. He knows this feeling all too well. In a candid conversation with The Back of the Range, Daly II breaks his silence on the grind and the mental battle he had to navigate ever since his early competitive days.

On the podcast, John Daly II didn’t hold back on the reality of the mounting pressure given his father’s popularity. Revealing his time as a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Daly II said, “As a freshman, I didn’t qualify much.” During that time, Daly II had faced a considerable challenge trying to earn a spot in the lineup. During his 2021 debut at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational, Daly experienced a classic freshman learning curve. Starting right off the bat with an 11-over 83 written by 3 double bogeys, first-round nerves got the best of him. However, the second round saw a dramatic turnaround with a 4-under 68. His form dipped again with 7 birdies and a 6-over 78 in the final round.

However, never backing down, he participated in eight events, posting a 71.8  average. That included 3 top-15 finishes and 2 top-10 finishes, pulling him through the collegiate ranks. However, that change didn’t appear out of thin air. Daly II revealed the grind he pursued. “I had to grind, change what I needed to change, and block out expectations,” Daly II shared with The Back of the Range. However, it was undoubtedly the expectations that took the most toll on him. Being the son of a 5-time PGA Tour winner and 14 professional wins worldwide, fans naturally expected John Daly II to perform at the highest levels.

Daly II’s early disappointing run raised many eyebrows. But Daly II’s fierce mindset brought him back into the equation, this time a notable name in his own right. “Everyone’s going to have expectations–mine just come with a famous last name.” Daly II didn’t flinch, spilling his truth and a slick quote. This highlights Daly II’s resilience and personal growth as he navigated his rocky start. Daly understands the place of expectations in shaping up a youngster’s game. Although he admits that having anticipations is a natural part of the sport, Daly II knows that his come with added scrutiny and pressure because of the Daly legacy.

However, he has embraced a mindset that is helping him propel forward even amid the rising expectations. He focuses on his game, not the noise. Step by step, he’s making the name his own.

John Daly II’s journey with his father’s support

John Daly has never shied away from showing loud vocal support to his son. As John Daly II advanced to the Round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur Championship, the two-time major winner followed every move closely. Sharing his pride on Social Media, Daly posted, “LFG! My Boy!!” The message highlighted the father’s unwavering support, celebrating his son’s composed performance in a high-pressure environment.

Beyond the posts, Daly Sr.’s presence in John Daly II’s career has been a guiding force. From mentoring him on the course to sharing life lessons off it, the elder Daly has helped his son navigate the unique pressures of carrying a famous name, all while allowing him to develop his own style and identity in the sport. Even amid the Daly legacy, the son-father duo continues to carve their own unique spots in golf. Some while on the league and some out of it.