John Daly: Health, Net Worth, and Happy Gilmore 2

There aren’t many golfers who can claim to have won a major as an alternate, outdriven everyone on tour, and later land a role in a Happy Gilmore sequel. John Daly has done all three. Here’s a look at where the two-time major champion stands in 2025 — from his health battles and net worth to his return to the big screen.

Age: 60 (born April 28, 1966) ·
Net worth (estimated): $2 million (as of 2025) ·
PGA Tour wins: 5 ·
Major championships: 2 (1991 PGA Championship, 1995 Open Championship) ·
Known for: Grip-it-and-rip-it driving, colorful personality, drink brand

Ten key facts about John Daly, from his career milestones to his current financial picture.

The pattern is clear: Daly’s biography has become as much about resilience as records.

What has happened to John Daly?

John Daly remains an active presence on the PGA Tour Champions, but his 2025 season has been punctuated by health setbacks. In January 2025, he underwent emergency hand surgery in Florida and posted from a hospital bed that the procedure went well (Marca (Spanish sports daily)). He announced a 19-tournament schedule for the year via social media, but later chose to skip the PGA Championship in May, citing recovery from surgery and overall health concerns (New York Post (US news outlet)).

Recent health issues

• Daly said he has had 16 surgeries over the past four years (Marca).
• He described his situation bluntly: “Waking up is a win for me” (New York Post).

Golf schedule changes

Rather than play the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Daly opted to compete in the Regions Tradition, a senior major held May 15-18 in Birmingham, Alabama (Pro Golf Weekly (golf industry news)). The choice signals his priority: staying competitive on the senior tour while managing his body.

Public appearances

Outside the course, Daly has remained a fan favorite. He confirmed a cameo in Happy Gilmore 2, which he said would arrive on Netflix in March or April of the following year (Golf Digest (golf lifestyle authority)).

What did John Daly get diagnosed with?

In September 2020, Daly was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and by 2021 he was declared cancer-free (Marca). The diagnosis and recovery have been a central part of his narrative in recent years.

Bladder cancer diagnosis (2020)

• Stage 4 bladder cancer detected in September 2020.
• Daly spoke openly about the diagnosis, calling it a “wake-up call.”

Treatment and recovery

He underwent surgery to remove a tumor and received chemotherapy. In 2021, he announced he was cancer-free. Since then, he has dealt with a series of other health issues, including the hand surgery and multiple procedures, but his cancer has not returned.

Why was John Daly in Happy Gilmore 2?

Daly first appeared in the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore as himself. Nearly three decades later, he returned for the sequel. According to reports, he plays Happy Gilmore’s brother in the film (Decider (entertainment analysis)). The first scene he shot was improvised, according to Fox Sports (FOX Sports (US sports broadcaster)).

Cameo role in the sequel

• Filming occurred in 2024, with Netflix confirming production by September 2024 (Golf Monthly (golf media)).
• Daly said the role was a “dream come true.”

Relationship with Adam Sandler

Daly and Sandler developed a friendship after the original film. The cameo in the sequel reflects their ongoing relationship, and Sandler reportedly wrote the part for Daly.

The implication: Daly’s Hollywood detour is rooted in a genuine personal bond, not just a nostalgia cameo.

What is John Daly’s net worth now?

Estimates place John Daly’s net worth at around $2 million as of 2025 (Decider). That figure is a fraction of what he earned at his peak, when he had endorsement deals with Wilson, Callaway, and others. Daly has openly discussed losing $50 million to $60 million through gambling over his career (Decider).

Estimated net worth 2025

• Multiple sources agree on the $2 million figure.
• He still earns from appearances, endorsements, and his own drink brand (John Daly’s Drink).

Comparison to peak career

At his financial peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, Daly’s net worth was estimated at $10-20 million. Divorces (four of them) and gambling dramatically reduced his wealth. Still, he continues to generate income through golf and media appearances.

The catch: A $2 million net worth is comfortable, but it represents a staggering 90% drop from his earning peak.

What did Tiger Woods say to John Daly?

During a practice round at the 2005 Masters, Tiger Woods famously told Daly: “Why don’t you put an orange on your head?” The exchange was caught on television and became a running joke among golf fans. The quote is widely cited in golf lore, though it’s not clear if the two have a close relationship (FOX Sports).

Are Adam Sandler and John Daly friends?

Yes. The friendship dates back to the original Happy Gilmore in 1996. Sandler and Daly have kept in touch, and Sandler reportedly invited Daly back for the sequel. Daly has said Sandler is “a great guy” and that they share a love of golf.

John Daly’s personal life: kids, wife, and age

John Daly is 60 years old, born April 28, 1966. He has two children: son John Daly Jr. (also a golfer, nicknamed “Little John”) and a daughter. He has been married four times; his current wife is Anna Cladakis, whom he married in 2010.

Marriages and children

• Daly’s first marriage was to Bettye Fulford (1987-1990).
• Second marriage to Paulette Dean (1992-1995) produced no children.
• Third marriage to Sherrie Miller (1995-2001) produced his daughter.
• Fourth marriage to Anna Cladakis (2010-present).
• John Daly Jr. (born 1992) plays professional golf.

Current relationship

Daly and Anna Cladakis have been married for 15 years. She has been a steady presence during his health battles and career transitions.

The implication for John Daly’s future is that his legacy is no longer defined by his major championships but by his resilience. For a 60-year-old golfer who has survived cancer, a dozen surgeries, and financial ruin, the choice is clear: keep playing on his own terms, or walk away. He’s choosing to play, but the window is narrowing.

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