Introduction
John Daly is one of the most colorful and controversial figures in professional golf history. Known for his powerful drives and turbulent personal life, Daly has been married four times and is currently engaged to his longtime partner, Anna Cladakis. The story of John Daly wife is complicated, spanning multiple marriages, public scandals, and a relationship that has lasted more than 15 years without a wedding. This biography explores the lives of the women who have been part of Daly’s journey.
Quick Biography / Facts
- Who is John Daly’s current partner? Anna Cladakis (engaged since 2014, together since 2007)
- Number of marriages: Four
- Ex-wives: Dale Crafton, Bettye Fulford, Paulette Dean, Sherrie Miller
- Children: Three (Shynah, Sierra, and John Jr.)
- Current status: Engaged to Anna Cladakis, not legally married
Early Life
John Daly was born on April 28, 1966, in Carmichael, California, and grew up in Dardanelle, Arkansas. His father was a construction worker, and the family lived modestly. Daly showed early talent in golf and received a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he played for the Razorbacks. His personal life began making headlines almost as soon as his professional career took off.
Family
Daly’s family life has been complex and often public. He has three children from different relationships. His first daughter, Shynah Hale Daly, was born in the early 1990s to his second wife, Bettye Fulford. His second daughter, Sierra Lynn Daly, was born in 1996 to his third wife, Paulette Dean. His son, John Daly Jr., was born during his marriage to his fourth wife, Sherrie Miller.
Education
Daly attended the University of Arkansas on a golf scholarship. His first wife, Dale Crafton, also came from Arkansas, where they met during his college years. Daly did not complete his degree, leaving school to pursue professional golf.
Career
While the John Daly wife story is about his partners, it is important to understand Daly’s career context. He turned professional in 1987 and won the PGA Championship in 1991 as an alternate. He also won the British Open in 1995. His career earnings exceed $10 million, though his gambling losses have reportedly been substantial.
Achievements
Daly’s golf achievements include two major championships (PGA Championship 1991, British Open 1995) and five PGA Tour victories. He remains a fan favorite for his “grip it and rip it” style. His personal life, however, has often overshadowed his golf accomplishments.
Personal Life: The Four Wives
Dale Crafton (1987β1990)
Dale Crafton was John Daly’s first wife. They married in 1987 when Daly turned professional. Crafton came from a wealthy Arkansas family. The marriage lasted three years and ended in divorce in 1990 due to irreconcilable differences.
Bettye Fulford (1992β1995)
Bettye Fulford became Daly’s second wife in 1992. Together they had a daughter, Shynah. The marriage ended in 1995, and Fulford obtained custody of their daughter.
Paulette Dean (1995β1999)
Paulette Dean married Daly in 1995. Their daughter, Sierra Lynn Daly, was born in June 1996. The couple divorced in 1999 when Sierra was still young.
Sherrie Miller (2001β2007)
Sherrie Miller is perhaps the most well-known John Daly wife. They married on July 29, 2001, only seven weeks after meeting. Their relationship was highly volatile and attracted significant media attention.
In 2003, Sherrie and her parents were indicted on federal drug and gambling charges. They were accused of selling cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamines from 1996 to 2002 and laundering the proceeds through local banks. Sherrie pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in 2005 and received five years’ probation with six months of house arrest.
After their divorce in 2007, Sherrie wrote a memoir titled “Teed Off: My Life as a Player’s Wife on the PGA Tour,” which detailed Daly’s struggles with drinking, gambling, and anger management issues.
Anna Cladakis: The Current Partner
Anna Cladakis has been John Daly’s partner since 2007. They met shortly after his divorce from Sherrie Miller. Cladakis works in public relations, having been involved with a cafΓ© network business.
The couple got engaged in December 2014, but they have not yet married. They have been together for more than 15 years, making this Daly’s longest-lasting relationship. Unlike his previous marriages, this relationship has been relatively stable and free from major public scandals.
Daly has referred to Cladakis’s daughter as his “bonus daughter,” indicating a close family bond. They split their time between Arkansas and other locations, and Cladakis often accompanies Daly to golf events.
Net Worth
John Daly’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million. Despite earning over $10 million in career prize money, his gambling addiction and multiple divorces have significantly reduced his wealth. He has reportedly lost between $50 million and $57 million through gambling over his lifetime.
Interesting Facts
- Daly married Sherrie Miller just seven weeks after meeting her.
- Sherrie Daly’s memoir claimed that Daly’s anger issues sometimes resulted in verbal and physical abuse.
- Despite being engaged since 2014, Daly and Anna Cladakis have not set a wedding date after more than a decade.
- Daly has been married four times but has been with Anna Cladakis longer than all his marriages combined.
- His divorce from Sherrie Miller was finalized in 2007, the same year he began dating Cladakis.
FAQs
Who is John Daly’s current wife?
John Daly is not currently married. He is engaged to Anna Cladakis, his partner since 2007. They got engaged in 2014 but have not married.
How many times has John Daly been married?
John Daly has been married four times: to Dale Crafton (1987β1990), Bettye Fulford (1992β1995), Paulette Dean (1995β1999), and Sherrie Miller (2001β2007).
Who was John Daly’s most famous wife?
Sherrie Miller is often the most recognized John Daly wife due to their volatile marriage, her federal drug charges, and her tell-all memoir “Teed Off”.
Does John Daly have children?
Yes, John Daly has three children: Shynah (with Bettye Fulford), Sierra (with Paulette Dean), and John Jr. (with Sherrie Miller).
Why hasn’t John Daly married Anna Cladakis?
The couple has not publicly explained why they remain engaged without marrying. They have been together since 2007 and engaged since 2014, making their relationship more stable than any of Daly’s marriages.
Conclusion
The story of John Daly wife is a complex narrative of four marriages, public scandals, and one enduring engagement. From Dale Crafton to Sherrie Miller, each relationship brought its own challenges and headlines. Today, Daly appears to have found stability with Anna Cladakis, his partner of over 15 years. While they remain engaged rather than married, their relationship represents the longest and most peaceful chapter in Daly’s romantic history.