Would Tiger Woods actually join the Champions Tour? With golf greats like Bernhard Langer describing it as a “thrill to see,” the question is causing a stir in the community. Not everyone agrees, though; John Daly, who never backs down, has a different opinion.

Daly, who has had a special connection with Woods for a long time, thinks Tiger Woods isn’t finished competing at the top level. Indeed, in the 1990s, Daly assured Woods’ parents that he would protect their son when he became a professional, and he has upheld this pledge throughout the years of friendship and competition. As speculation about Woods joining the senior circuit intensifies, Daly maintains that Tiger Woods still has what it takes to contend for more major championships. So, let’s dive in to see what Daly actually had to say!

John Daly’s opinions: Tiger Woods’ inclusion on the Champions Tour

Known for his direct thoughts and straightforward style, John Daly recently brushed off the notion of Tiger Woods joining the PGA Tour Champions during his interview with Like a Farmer Podcast. Daly stressed that despite his injuries, Woods still has what it takes to play at the highest level.“I think, you know, Bernhard Langer has set something that Tiger may go after, I don’t know. But Tiger loves to break records, and I think he’s got the will and the game to still win Majors even hurt. I always root for him. I believe in him, and I don’t think Tiger’s done yet,” Daly remarked. 

Daly further revealed, “Three years ago, I thought he could still beat Jack. I still think he could beat Jack’s major record. I’m still not beyond that because Phil Mickelson won the PGA on a very difficult golf course at 50.” Daly’s remarks coincide with the increasing speculation that, after turning 50 on Dec 30, 2026, Woods would move to the senior circuit. However, that does not mean he does not have it in him to still compete among the best. Citing Mickleson’s example, who in fact was Woods’s greatest rival makes it easier to understand Daly’s perception.

With Langer’s recent retirement, many have shown interest in Woods replacing him as the next face of senior golf. The PGA Tour Champions has traditionally served as a venue for golfing legends to prolong their careers. Daly’s argument, however, brings to light a crucial reality: Woods can still compete with the world’s best. Woods’s aggressive spirit is far from quenched, as seen by his brilliant moments despite his ailments and restricted schedule.

“It can be done, and I agree—if Tiger gets healthy, man, he’s in shape. What is he, 48 now? Man, he’s got a body of a 20-year-old,” said Daly, emphasizing how physically fit Woods is, even at 48. “If Tiger gets healthy, man, he’s still in shape,” Daly remarked, brushing aside worries about Woods’s wounds. Although Woods has not yet addressed his possible future on the Champions Tour, he has earlier made it clear that he has no interest in playing golf until he can compete at the highest level. That mindset supports Daly’s opinion that Woods is a competitor first and that competing on the senior circuit may not be at the top of his agenda just yet.

Furthermore, Woods continues to have an unmatched impact on the game. Fans want to watch him play, but they also want to watch him compete, and Daly, like many others, thinks it could be too soon for Woods to switch to the senior circuit because he still has at least one more major victory left in him. The prospect of Woods taking over the Champions Tour is intriguing, but it might have to wait a bit longer. Even though Daly is adamant that Tiger isn’t finished on the PGA Tour, his career has been full of memorable, out-of-the-ordinary situations, such as one match versus Woods that will never be forgotten. Let’s find out about this story!

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Daly’s crazy story of overindulging in Jack and Coke and beating Woods

Except for his thunderous drives, John Daly is renowned for his untamed and wild personality. And nothing better encapsulates it than when, while suffering from a hangover and drinking Jack and Cokes, he defeated Tiger Woods in a tournament. Although Daly has frequently discussed his unconventional way of life, one of his most legendary tales concerns an exhibition duel with Woods. Daly said he had been drinking the previous evening and was not in the best of shape when he got to the course. “I wasn’t feeling great, but I thought, ‘Screw it, I’ll just play,’” in an interview, Daly described.

Daly defeated Woods while still sipping his trademark drink, putting on a clinic despite his bad state. Even the competitor, Woods, was taken aback. “Tiger’s always been about discipline—strict diet, training, practice. He saw me downing Jack and Cokes and still playing well, and he just shook his head,” Daly recounted.

Despite having completely different approaches to discipline and preparation, Woods and Daly have a great deal of respect for one another. Woods has even acknowledged Daly’s natural talent, stating, “If John had my work ethic, he’d have 10 majors.” “If I had Tiger’s work ethic, I’d be dead!” was Daly’s legendary response. In golf history, their meetings have been among the most interesting due to their disparate styles and mutual admiration. And even though Woods may never adopt Daly’s lifestyle, their friendship is still among the most intriguing in sports.