All-time character and two-time major champion John Daly will bring his bold style back to Akron, Ohio, joining a list of notable people, including three former U.S. presidents, who have promoted the game of golf.
The Kaulig Companies Championship and Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation will honor Daly this summer as the 2026 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award presented by Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation, the PGA Tour Champions announced on Wednesday.
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“I’ve always loved this game and what it’s given me,” Daly said in a news release. “Golf has taken me places I never imagined and introduced me to incredible people along the way. To be recognized with the Ambassador of Golf Award is truly an honor, and I’m proud to support the meaningful work being done here in Northeast Ohio.”
More: John Daly signs for a 19 on one hole during PGA Tour Champions event
John Daly signs autographs at the 2023 Kaulig Companies Championship Pro-Am at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
The Ambassador of Golf celebration is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 9, in Akron. A venue has yet to be determined, a Kaulig Companies spokesperson said.
Daly, 59, is among the most recognizable figures in golf. He earned an improbable victory at the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth alternate and later added the Open Championship in 1995 at St. Andrews. He’s known for flair and powerful drives — including one over a highway in Akron.
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“John Daly has had an extraordinary impact on the game of golf, both on and off the course. His fearless play, larger-than-life personality, and commitment to giving back make him a perfect fit for the Ambassador of Golf Award. We’re thrilled to celebrate his achievements and his dedication to making a difference in communities through this honor,” Tim Clepper, president and CEO of Kaulig Companies, said in the release.
Daly has championed charitable causes benefiting children, military families and individuals facing serious health challenges.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built here in Akron,” Matt Kaulig, executive chairman of Kaulig Companies, said in the release. “Over the past four years, this event and our partners have generated more than $8 million to support local nonprofits and community organizations.”
The Ambassador of Golf ceremony coincides with the Kaulig Companies Championship, which is set for July 9-12 at Firestone Country Club. It’s one of five major championships held annually on PGA Tour Champions. A fan favorite, Daly has been a draw during the tournament over the years.
John Daly of Dardenelle, Arkansas drives his ball down the No. 10 fairway during the first round of the 2025 Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Ambassador of Golf Award winners
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1985: President Gerald Ford
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1994: President George H.W. Bush
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2000: Ben Hogan and Sam Snead
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2003: Robert Dedman Sr. and Jack Vickers
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2021 President George W. Bush
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Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at [email protected]. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: John Daly to receive Ambassador of Golf Award
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