“I was playing a golf tournament, just scrolling through Instagram reels, and I heard a song. I liked the sound of it—kept playing it—but I didn’t realize until later that it was a Christian song. That same day, I started writing a cross on my golf ball.” — John Daly II
🎧 Listen to John Daly II’s full story on the Identity Sports Podcast!
John Daly II grew up with a name that carried expectations. As the son of a golf legend, the pressure to succeed followed him everywhere. But in the middle of competition, something unexpected happened—God met him through music. One ordinary day before a junior golf round, John stumbled upon a song: Nobody by Casting Crowns. At first, it was just a tune he liked. But as he listened again, the lyrics stood out—speaking truth into his life.
“Why You ever chose me Has always been a mystery All my life I’ve been told I belong At the end of the line
With all the other not-quites With all the never-get-it-rights
But it turns out they’re the ones You were looking for All this time”
That same day, he marked his golf ball with a cross for the first time, a simple act that would become a personal reminder of his faith journey.
For athletes, expectations can feel overwhelming. Performance, rankings, and outside opinions create pressure to define success by results. But John’s story is a reminder that identity isn’t found in achievements—it’s found in Christ. When we shift our focus from worldly expectations to God’s purpose, everything changes. Instead of striving to meet impossible standards, we can rest in the truth that we are already loved, chosen, and enough in Him.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
The song continues: So when I hear that devil start talking to me saying
“Who do you think you are?” I say I’m just a nobody Trying to tell everybody All about Somebody Who saved my soul Ever since You rescued me You gave my heart a song to sing I’m living for the world to see Nobody but Jesus I’m living for the world to see Nobody but Jesus”
John’s faith was strengthened with a song, but it didn’t stop there. It led him to fill his life with worship music, growing closer to God through each round of golf and leading to his baptism. Just as he marks his ball with a cross, we, too, can mark our lives with reminders of God’s presence—through scripture, prayer, or worship.
Are you defining yourself by expectations or by God’s love? What small reminders can you incorporate into your daily life to keep your faith at the center? How can you surrender your performance and trust God’s plan instead?
Lord, thank You for meeting me in unexpected ways. Help me to find my identity in You, not in achievements or expectations. Teach me to trust that Your plan is greater than my own. Fill my heart with reminders of Your love, and let my life be a reflection of Your grace. Amen.
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