Daly II Storms Back to Win Southern Amateur at Blessings
John Daly II capped off a memorable week at Blessings Golf Club with a final-round 68 to win the 119th Southern Amateur Championship by five shots. The Arkansas native and University of Arkansas standout finished at 10 under 278, posting rounds of 70, 71, 69, and 68 to claim the George W. Adair Trophy.
Daly, who began the final day two shots back, carded a 33 on the front nine and kept his composure on the back to pull away from the field. His win over Mississippi State’s Garrett Endicott marked a strong finish in one of amateur golf’s toughest tests.
The victory places Daly alongside past Southern Amateur champions, including Bobby Jones, Ben Crenshaw, and Justin Leonard, adding another milestone to his family’s golf legacy.
Top 10 Final Standings:
John Daly II – USA / Arkansas –10 (70–71–69–68 – 278)
Garrett Endicott – USA / Mississippi State –5 (68–67–73–75 – 283)
T3. Camden Smith – USA / Arkansas –3 (72–73–72–68 – 285)
T3. Taishi Moto – Japan / Arizona –3 (70–70–73–72 – 285)
T3. Thomas Curry – USA / Arkansas –3 (71–72–70–72 – 285)
T3. Jase Summy – USA / Oklahoma –3 (72–70–70–73 – 285)
T7. Ethan Evans – USA / Duke –2 (68–71–74–73 – 286)
T7. Jay Mendell – USA / Louisiana –2 (70–69–74–73 – 286)
T7. Aaron Pounds – USA / Texas A&M –2 (73–68–72–73 – 286)
T7. Zachery Pollo – USA / Arizona –2 (68–74–71–73 – 286)
Daly’s performance capped a strong week and delivered his first Southern Amateur title.
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