Rising Razorback Wins Big on Home Turf
In a standout performance on his home turf, John Daly II captured the title at the 119th Southern Amateur Championship, hosted at Blessings Golf Club in Johnson, Arkansas. The University of Arkansas senior became the only player in the field to post four rounds under par, finishing with scores of 70-71-69-68 for a 10-under-par (278) total.
Daly’s impressive run led to a five-shot victory over Garrett Endicott and secured him a spot in the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship at the Olympic Club. His win also boosted him to No. 125 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
A Home Victory Celebrated by Friends, Family, and a Proud Father
Playing on his home course, Daly had an emotional win with strong support from family, friends, and teammates. His father, two-time major champion John Daly, was in attendance and shared his excitement on Instagram, writing: “One Proud Daddy!!!”
“It is awesome to win at home in front of my friends, teammates, and family-friends,” Daly shared after the final round. The win marks the most significant amateur golf victory of his career so far.
Strong Field Includes Four IJGA Alumni
The 2024 Southern Amateur showcased a competitive field that included four IJGA alumni, all ranked in the WAGR Top 150:
- Jack Turner (WAGR No. 10) – T35 at +6
- Hiroshi Tai (WAGR No. 42) – T35 at +6
- Gerardo Gomez (WAGR No. 146) – T42 at +8
- Stewart Hagestad (WAGR No. 38) – T24 at +3
Their participation added depth to one of the strongest fields in Southern Amateur history.
