John Daly II to make professional debut at OccuNet Classic

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - John Daly II will begin his professional golf career at the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank after receiving a sponsor exemption, tournament officials announced.

The event is scheduled for June 11–14, 2026, at Tascosa Golf Club. It marks the first Korn Ferry Tour event in Amarillo since 1990.

First professional start

John Daly II said he has worked toward this moment for years.

“I’m very excited and grateful to be competing in the OccuNet Classic. This will mark my first start as a professional golfer, and is something I’ve worked toward for a long time. I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way and can’t wait to get out there and compete,” he said.

College career highlights

The golfer known as “Little John” graduated from the University of Arkansas this spring.

His amateur resume includes victories at the 2021 PNC Championship, 2025 Southern Amateur Championship and 2025 Blessings Collegiate Invitational.

Daly II was a finalist for the 2025 Ben Hogan Award. He made his PGA Tour debut as an amateur at the 2026 Puerto Rico Open, also under a sponsor exemption.

Family connection

Tournament Director Drew Blass said the event is a fitting start for Daly’s professional career.

“We’re extremely excited to have John Daly II start his professional career in Amarillo. John has had an incredible college career at Arkansas. I can’t imagine a better way for him to start the next phase of his career in the same city as his father, John Daly, who finished runner-up in the Korn Ferry Tour event in 1990,” Blass said.