“Got Nothing to Lose”: John Daly II Follows in Father’s Footsteps With Breakthrough PGA Tour Moment

Mar 7, 2026, 3:16 AM CUT

John Daly with his son John Daly II | Credits: @pgatourchampions on Instagram

John Daly II made the cut at his PGA Tour debut (Puerto Rico Open) with a total score of seven-under 137. With his second-round performance, he finished T7. But as he talked to the media, he showcased hints of his father.

Talking to the media about his expectations for the rest of the event, the 22-year-old said, “Honestly, go out there and try to go as low as I can. I got nothing to lose, so just go out there and have fun and just keep doing what I'm doing.”

This relaxed mindset is something that the golf community has always associated with John Daly. The 59-year-old’s fearless and carefree approach has made him one of the most recognizable golfers on the PGA Tour.

Even after a T21 finish in the first round, he opted to relax on the beach instead of swinging through the evening. And the rookie retained his father’s relaxed persona as he headed into the weekend.

December 22, 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA: John Daly L and son John Daly II shake hands on the 18th green after the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20241222_fap_w109_074 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx

Making the cut on his PGA Tour debut meant a lot. After all, John Daly made six starts at the Puerto Rico Open and made cuts in four of them. He even finished T10 in 2015, when his son was only 11 years old.

From watching the two-time major champion ace the Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, to making the cut at the course, Daly closely followed in his father’s footsteps.

But what exactly worked for him at the 2026 Puerto Rico Open?

What Worked for John Daly II at the Puerto Rico Open?

Daly shot a bogey-free five-under 67 in the second round of his debut event. That’s something that even professionals struggle with.

“I got off to a weird start, I don't know if it was nerves or what it was. My driver wasn't working early on, but grinded out some good pars,” John Daly II said. “And my putter saved me a lot today, made a lot of putts.”

But as the round went on, his nerves calmed down a bit. He calmed down further after scoring a birdie on the 14th. That followed a few “good saves” and more birdies. His performance put him above the other five amateurs in the field.

Now, we shall wait and see how things proceed for John Daly II in the final couple of rounds.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das