John Daly admits how he would describe his relationship with Tiger Woods now after telling story of how they first met

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John Daly has detailed what his relationship with Tiger Woods is like now, 35 years after their first meeting in 1990.

Daly, who was the longest hitter on the PGA Tour for 11 seasons, is one of golf’s great characters. The ‘Wild Thing’ was known for his whacky swing and casual approach to the game.

Woods‘ prime years occurred just as Daly was fading away from the game’s elite. The 58-year-old’s highest world ranking came in 2005 before he gradually descended the OWGR standings.

Now, the Californian rarely takes the course. In 2024, Daly played in the PNC Championship and the PGA Championship (before withdrawing). He also featured on Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube channel.

Daly and Woods did see each other in Orlando for last year’s family-orientated event. Now, in a recent YouTube appearance, Daly has shed light on his relationship with the 15-time major winner.

Jon Daly’s relationship with Tiger Woods

Speaking to the Like a Farmer Podcast, Daly admitted that his relationship with Woods is now distant.

“It’s distant. It’s not like we go to a lot of dinners. I always invited him to come and see me, and a few times, he has invited me to come see him, but our schedules just don’t work,” Daly said. “But I love that kid, man; what he has done in golf is amazing.”

Daly’s major championship performance during Woods’ heyday was underwhelming, and the closest he came to challenging Tiger was at the 2002 Masters when he finished in a tie for 32nd.

In fact, the 2012 PGA Championship, where Daly finished tied 18th, was the last time the Wild Thing made a major championship cut.

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Jon Daly’s first meeting with Tiger Woods

Daly also spoke about his first meeting with Woods all the way back in 1990 before the soon-to-be superstar joined forces with Butch Harmon.

“I can’t say that on the show! I think it’s not even a story, it’s more about the coolest thing was I was 20,” Daly said.

“I was playing the Nike Tour back in 1990. And this little kid 12 or 13 years old and people were talking how great he’s going to be and all this. I am excited. It was Tiger Woods.

“They were playing – I can’t remember what the junior tournament was called – but it was a big one; it goes all over the world or country. And I meet this kid, and of course, he’s playing way up, but we get on this par three at Texas County Country Club, and I don’t know, it was like 210/15 yards.”

Daly continued: “I was going to hit a five iron, and he’s watching, and I was hitting an HT Max Fly. And I hit this ball, and the rubber band back then came out of the ball, and it just like [went up] the whole way. It got to the front of the green and Tiger to this day will ask anybody what was the greatest shot you ever saw in golf, he will say that shot.

“What an unbelievable kid. I met his Mom and Dad that day and I said look I know he’s going to make it, hopefully I will too, but you ever need anybody to look out for him, I will.”