John Daly II’s U.S. Amateur Run: Golf’s Next Big Thing?

Witness the rise of golf’s new star, John Daly II, as he makes waves at the U.S. Amateur.
Learn how the son of two-time major champion John Daly is forging his own path to greatness.
– Discover his breakout season highlights
– Get insights into his game-changing strategy
– See how he’s handling the pressure of his family’s golf legacy
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There’s something undeniably thrilling about watching the next generation of golfers step into the spotlight. John Daly II, the son of two-time major champion John Dailyaly, is proving that he’s not just riding on his family name, but carving out his own legacy in the sport. This week at the US Amateur in San Francisco, Daly has shown that he might just have what it takes to become a top tier player, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. My game feels solid right now, and honestly, my putting has been the standout this week, Daly remarked after securing a commanding 3-2 victory over Daniel Bennett in the round of 16. I’ve been rolling the ball well, reading the greens accurately, and it’s always exciting to see those putts drop. His confidence is palpable, and his performance speaks volumes about his growing skill set. Yet, for all the advantages of being the child of a golf legend, there’s an inevitable shadow cast by constant comparisons to his father. But here’s where it gets interesting. Rather than letting these expectations weigh him down, Daly is embracing his dad’s flare for bold, carefree play while working hard to define himself as a unique force in the golfing world. He’s got two majors under his belt. I don’t, Daly said earlier in the week when asked how he compares his style to his father’s. I’m focused on becoming the best version of myself, not living up to someone else’s achievements. Dy’s journey toward greatness is evident in his recent accomplishments. During stroke play at the US amateur, he posted rounds of 74 and 67, comfortably advancing to match play, a milestone his father never achieved in this prestigious championship. In his first round win against close friend Cooper Claycomm, Daly dominated without losing a single hole. A stunning 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole sealed his fate in the round of 32, sending reinstated amateur Nate Smith packing. By the time the round of 16 rolled around, Daly had built a commanding four up lead through nine holes, ultimately winning three and two. This impressive run in San Francisco is merely the latest chapter in what has been a breakout season for Daly. Playing for the University of Arkansas Razerbacks, he led the team with a scoring average of 72.21 and claimed his first collegiate victory. Just a few months ago, he finished third at the ultra competitive Northeast Amateur, finishing behind only Preston Stout, the current world number four ranked amateur, and prodigious 16-year-old Miles Russell, who coincidentally is also competing in the quarterfinals at the Olympic Club. Perhaps the defining moment of Dy’s rise came in July when he secured a five-stroke victory at the Southern amateur held at Arkansas’s home course, Blessings Golf Club. “Winning the Southern was monumental for me,” Daly shared, reflecting on the significance of triumphing in front of his hometown supporters. “It felt incredible to perform so well in front of friends, coaches, and on our home turf. That win gave me a huge confidence boost. Throughout his early years as a Razerback, Daly was a consistent performer who often landed in the top 25, but rarely contended for titles. So, what’s changed? According to Daly, it’s a combination of sharpening his ball striking precision and learning to thrive under pressure. At the start of the season, I knew I was close, he explained. There were moments when a couple of bad shots would throw me off. But I’ve worked tirelessly on improving my consistency off the tea and refining my wedge game. And let’s not forget the invaluable advice from his father whose wisdom extends beyond swing mechanics. Just enjoy yourself out there, Daly recalled his dad telling him about handling high pressure situations. When you allow yourself to have fun, the nerves fade away naturally. Daly isn’t alone in this new wave of young talents making waves in competitive golf. Charlie Woods, Tigerwood’s son, turned heads earlier this year by excelling in the AJA’s Team Tailor Made Invitational and qualifying for the US Junior Amateur for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Luke Palter, son of European Rder Cup hero Ian Palter, recently won his first college tournament during his sophomore year at the University of Florida. Even Luke made it to match play at the US amateur before bowing out in the round of 64. On Friday, Daly will face Mason Howell, a 17-year-old committed to the University of Georgia in the quarterfinals. With just two more victories needed to earn an anticipated invitation to the Masters, Daly stands on the brink of achieving something truly special. But here’s the question we’re all wondering. Can he maintain his momentum and etch his name alongside the greats of the game? What are your thoughts? Do you think Dy’s success is sustainable or is he still too reliant on his famous last name? Share your take in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation