John Daly’s Golf Invitational recently wrapped up, delivering a showcase of generosity and golf with the iconic player at the helm. It comes after a he made a staggering amount selling merch at Hooters at the Masters.
However, it was his fiancee who emerged as the unsung hero this time, turning Daly’s vision into an awe-inspiring reality with her exceptional dedication. The 58-year-old Daly and Anna Cladakis, whose son just celebrated his first collegiate win at the Columbia Spring Invitational, hosted the heartwarming event at Old Hickory Country Club in Tennessee on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The invitational benefitted the Boys and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley, which helps young people aged 6 to 18, aligning with a tradition started in 1991 by Daly’s mother, affectionately known as Mama Lou. After the bustle of the charity event, Daly – who is fully recovered from his emergency surgery only a few months back – shared his gratitude towards Cladakis for her pivotal role in its success. His sincere acknowledgment surfaced on social media for all to see.
In a joyous Instagram Story featuring both him and Cladakis, Daly expressed his admiration, saying: “To my amazing fiancee, thank you for your unwavering hard work and generous heart that made our charity event this week such a HUGE success! Your dedication and compassion are truly inspiring!”
The heartfelt homage underscores the depth of the relationship between Daly and his partner, Cladakis, which transcends mere romance. Since their paths crossed in 2007 when Cladakis was managing promotions for Daly’s Hooters sponsorship, she has embraced various roles, including caddying for him and collaborating as a business partner.
Their partnership was especially evident during the exclusive John Daly Charity Classic, an event that wasn’t just about golfing excellence and team slots priced at $10,000 apiece. The classic also offered attendees a chance to indulge in lavish parties, gourmet food and beverages, gift bags, autographed Daly keepsakes, and extra perks like mulligans and “Sure Putts”.
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Additionally, the event catered to health and wellness enthusiasts with activities such as yoga sessions and nutritional education, reflecting Anna’s dedication to public health. The day highlighted that there’s much more to Daly than his flamboyant attire and powerful drives.
Looking ahead, Daly is gearing up for a busy 2025 season on the PGA Champions Tour, boasting an impressive schedule of 19 tournaments—surpassing the entire LIV Golf lineup. Taking to Instagram with his characteristic flair, Daly announced: “Y’all better buckle up-2025 is gonna be a ride! … Let’s #GripItAndRipIt all over again!”.
From the legendary greens of Augusta National to the fairways of Jacksonville, Dallas, and Calgary, Daly is ready to thrill fans with his unique flair in cities across North America. His tour will also make stops in Houston, Birmingham, Des Moines, Madison, Milwaukee, Akron, and St. Louis, offering golf aficionados from all over the opportunity to see him perform live.
