John Daly II is on the move at the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship, advancing to the Round of 32 after a composed 1-up victory over Cooper Claycomb on Wednesday at The Olympic Club.
The Dardanelle, Ark., native and University of Arkansas senior made his way into match play with a steady 1-over 141 in stroke play. After opening with a 74 in Round 1, Daly II surged back with a 4-under 67 in Round 2, highlighted by birdies on the 4th, 6th, 13th, and 18th holes, and a bogey-free back nine that secured his place inside the top 25.
Against Claycomb, the match remained tied through the first 10 holes before Daly II grabbed the lead with a clutch birdie at the par-3 11th. From there, he refused to give any ground, halving the final seven holes to close out the win.
Currently ranked No. 121 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Daly II has been a consistent performer in elite amateur events this season, collecting multiple top-10 finishes and proving his ability to contend against the strongest fields.
With momentum on his side and his game in form, Daly II now turns his attention to Thursday’s Round of 32, where a win would push him one step closer to match play’s late stages and a shot at the Havemeyer Trophy.