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John Daly II hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the PNC Championship 2025 at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 21.
The next chapter of the Daly name in professional golf is about to begin. John Daly II, the son of two-time major champion John Daly, is set to make his PGA Tour debut after receiving a sponsor exemption into the Puerto Rico Open. The tournament, played at Grand Reserve Golf Club, will mark the first official PGA Tour start of the 22-year-old’s career and one of the most anticipated family storylines in recent golf history.
The Puerto Rico Open often runs opposite one of the PGA Tour’s signature events, but it has become known as an opportunity for rising players to prove themselves at the highest level. Winners receive FedEx Cup points, a two-year Tour exemption, and entry into major tournaments, making the event a legitimate launching pad for young talent looking to establish themselves on the professional stage.
Following a Famous Name – But Creating His Own Path
John Daly II is no stranger to the spotlight. He first gained national attention while playing alongside his father at the PNC Championship, where the duo won the 2021 title and quickly became fan favorites thanks to their chemistry and similar playing styles. The victory showcased the younger Daly’s power off the tee and calm presence under pressure, traits long associated with his father’s career.
Despite the famous last name, Daly II’s journey has included its own challenges. He has competed primarily at the amateur and developmental level, including a start on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, where he missed the cut but gained valuable experience. His amateur resume includes strong performances in major amateur events and collegiate tournaments, which helped earn him the sponsor exemption that will now give him his first true opportunity on the PGA Tour.
A Field Built on Opportunity and Youth
Daly II will not be the only young player looking to make a statement in Puerto Rico. The field includes several rising prospects and sponsor exemptions, including junior standouts and international talents who are also searching for their first breakthrough on the PGA Tour. Events like the Puerto Rico Open often provide rare chances for newcomers to compete against experienced professionals in a full Tour setting.
“Another edition of the Puerto Rico Open has arrived, and we are once again delighted to offer playing opportunities for so many up-and-coming stars,” Matt Truax, tournament director, said.
Among the names in the field are Miles Russell, Blades Brown, Evan Pena and Yanhan Zhou, to name a few. The mix of youth and experience gives the tournament a unique feel compared to signature PGA Tour events, where most spots are reserved for established players. For Daly II, that environment could provide the perfect stage to learn, compete, and potentially surprise.
Eugenio Chacarra Also Headlines Puerto Rico Open Field
While much of the attention surrounding the Puerto Rico Open will focus on Daly II’s debut, he will not be the only player in the field with a notable storyline. Former LIV Golf competitor Eugenio Chacarra is also set to tee it up, marking his first official PGA Tour start since leaving the LIV Golf League in 2024. His appearance adds another layer of intrigue to an event already filled with players looking to establish themselves or restart their careers.
Chacarra was one of the early young signings to LIV Golf after a standout amateur career at Oklahoma State, and he quickly made an impact by winning in his rookie season on the breakaway circuit. However, after departing the league last year, the Spaniard has been working his way back through traditional pathways in professional golf.
For the 25-year-old, strong play could open the door to more PGA Tour opportunities, while also showing that players who leave LIV can still find their way back into the traditional tour structure.
Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski
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