On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Kaulig Companies Championship and Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation will recognize two-time major champion John Daly as the 2026 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award presented by Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation.

 

“I’ve always loved this game and what it’s given me,” said Daly. “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.”

 

Throughout his decorated professional career, Daly has made a lasting impact on the sport. He first captured the attention of the golf world with his improbable victory at the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, one of the most memorable major triumphs in history. He later added The Open Championship in 1995 at St Andrews, cementing his place among golf’s elite. Known for his prodigious length off the tee and fearless style of play, Daly helped usher in a new era of power in professional golf while building a devoted global fan base across the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

 

"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," said Tim Clepper, President and CEO of Kaulig Companies.

 

As a longtime supporter of charitable causes, Daly has dedicated time and resources to initiatives benefiting children, military families and individuals facing serious health challenges. Through his participation in fundraising events nationwide, he has helped generate meaningful support for communities in need. His continued commitment to giving back reflects the spirit of the game and its impact beyond competition.

 

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built here in Akron,” said Matt Kaulig, Executive Chairman of Kaulig Companies. “Over the past four years, this event and our partners have generated more than $8 million to support local nonprofits and community organizations. To the fans who show up year after year, the volunteers who make it all possible, and the organizations that benefit from this championship, we’re committed to delivering a bigger and better experience for everyone who walks through the gates. If you haven’t been part of it yet, this is the year, you won’t want to miss it.”

 

The Ambassador of Golf celebration will add to an exciting week of golf and experiences for fans at the Kaulig Companies Championship. For 73 years, Firestone Country Club has served as a stage for some of the greatest golfers in history. More than a tournament, it is a celebration of community and philanthropy, having raised more than $36 million for charitable organizations.

Daly joins an illustrious list of Ambassador of Golf Award winners: 1981 Chi Chi Rodriguez; 1982 Bing Crosby; 1983 Byron Nelson; 1984 Gene Sarazen; 1985 President Gerald Ford; 1986 Bob Hope; 1987 Dinah Shore; 1988 Joe Dey; 1989 Frank Chirkinian; 1990 Barbara Nicklaus; 1991 Arnold Palmer; 1992 Nancy Lopez; 1993 Roberto De Vicenzo; 1994 President George H.W. Bush; 1995 Michael Bonnallack; 1996 Deane Beman; 1997 Peter Thomson; 1998 Ken Venturi; 1999 Gary Player; 2000 Ben Hogan and Sam Snead; 2001 Del de Windt; 2002 Joanne Carner; 2003 Robert Dedman, Sr. and Jack Vickers; 2004 Lee Trevino; 2005 Pete Dye; 2006 Ken Schofield; 2007 Tony Jacklin; 2008 Charlie Sifford; 2009 Hale Irwin; 2010 Tom Watson; 2011 Nick Price; 2012 Nick Faldo; 2013 Jack Nicklaus; 2014 Johnny Miller; 2015 Judy Rankin; 2016 Davis Love III; 2017 Peter Jacobsen; 2018 Jim Nantz; 2019 Fred Couples; 2021 President George W. Bush; 2022 Condoleezza Rice; 2023 Stephen Curry; 2024 Peyton Manning; 2025 Darius Rucker.

The Ambassador of Golf Celebration will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. Guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and an inside-the-ropes conversation with John Daly. Information on VIP experiences, sponsorships, and individual tickets can be found here. Proceeds from the event benefit organizations through the Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation. For more information, contact Danielle Thompson at danielle@nogcf.org or 330-245-2302.