John Daly’s Advice to Tiger Woods: Helping Charlie Woods Build a Stronger Future in Golf

In a recent episode of the Like a Farmer Podcast, golf legend John Daly shared candid advice he gave to fellow icon Tiger Woods about his son, Charlie Woods, highlighting a perceived physique flaw that could impact the young golfer’s budding career. At just 16 years old, Charlie is already making waves in the golfing world, but Daly believes a key adjustment could elevate his game to new heights. Specifically, Daly emphasized the need for Charlie to bulk up to maximize his potential as he continues to grow physically and develop his skills on the course. This conversation sheds light on the unique challenges young athletes face, especially those carrying the weight of a legendary surname like Woods.

Charlie Woods, standing just shy of 6 feet, is still in the midst of his physical development. Despite his evident talent, showcased by his victory at the 2024 Team TaylorMade Invitational and a remarkable 323-yard drive at the PNC Championship, Daly pointed out that Charlie’s lean frame might hinder his ability to compete with the power needed in professional golf. Daly, a two-time major champion known for his prodigious driving distance, warned Tiger that without adding muscle mass, Charlie risks growing taller—potentially over 6 feet 2 inches—without the strength to outdrive his competitors. “I told Tiger, I said you have to let Charlie spend a month with me. I have to put some mashed potatoes and meat in that boy. We have to gain him some weight,” Daly quipped on the podcast. His lighthearted tone belied a serious point: physical conditioning could be the key to unlocking Charlie’s full potential.

Daly’s advice stems from his own experience, both as a golfer and as a father to John Daly II, who has also stepped into the competitive golfing arena. Daly II, now 21, has been hitting drives over 300 yards since his teenage years, a feat Daly attributes to his son’s physicality. Drawing a comparison, Daly suggested that Charlie could achieve similar results with the right approach to nutrition and strength training. “We need to put some Jon Daly food in that boy and get him up a bit. Let him gain some weight and then he will probably hit it 60 yards past everybody like little John does,” Daly added, referencing his son’s ability to dominate off the tee. This perspective underscores the importance of physical preparation in a sport where driving distance can be a significant advantage.

Charlie’s journey in golf has not been without its challenges. Despite his successes, such as winning the 2023 Florida High School Boys 1A State Championship and finishing runner-up at the 2024 PNC Championship alongside his father, Charlie has faced setbacks. He failed to qualify for the U.S. Open and missed the cut at the US Junior Amateur Championship, a tournament his father won three times. These struggles highlight the immense pressure Charlie faces as the son of Tiger Woods, whose 15 major titles cast a long shadow. Daly’s advice, however, is not just about physicality but also about giving Charlie the tools to compete confidently in a highly competitive field.

Tiger Woods remains optimistic about his son’s future, noting that Charlie is already better in certain aspects of the game than he was at the same age. Yet, Daly’s input offers a practical perspective, emphasizing the need for Charlie to build a stronger physique to complement his technical skills. As Charlie continues to navigate the expectations and scrutiny that come with his lineage, Daly’s advice serves as a reminder that even the most talented young athletes need guidance to reach their full potential. With the right support, Charlie Woods could indeed become a formidable force on the professional golf circuit, potentially rivaling or even surpassing his father’s legacy.