How Tiger Woods’ father taught him John Daly’s key to getting lower scores

John Daly has long been one of the most recognisable figures in golf, while Tiger Woods is often seen as the sport’s greatest player.

The two are actually good friends, and Daly spent a fair bit of time with Woods during his early years on the PGA Tour in the mid-1990s.

Back in 1994, Daly actually beat Woods by six shots while still drunk at Sherwood Country Club in California. He later spoke about how surprised Woods was that day.

Tiger even admitted that Daly had more natural talent than him, and it’s hard to disagree with that assessment.

Daly wasn’t anywhere near as successful as Tiger on the course, but his natural talent has always been respected by the 15-time major champion.

When it comes to advice for amateur players looking to improve, both men tend to highlight the same aspect of the game.

Tiger Woods learned a lesson from John Daly that every amateur should focus on

John Daly and Tiger Woods are two of the best short-game players we’ve seen, and although Daly’s approach is more natural, both have always been exceptional around the greens.

During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Daly was asked which part of the game amateurs should prioritise to see quick improvements in their scores. He didn’t hesitate with his response.

“Chipping and putting, for all the amateurs out there,” Daly said. “Chipping, putting.”

It was mentioned during the conversation that Earl Woods had passed down a similar philosophy to his son when he was young, teaching him from a young age to build his game from the green backwards.

Daly agreed and explained how Tiger’s development followed that very path.

“He started putting when he was very young. Then he went to chipping, then he went to 100 yards, then 150 yards or whatever,” Daly replied.

“The drivers, everybody in golf who plays can hit a driver, they can hit a five iron, they can hit a six iron. But it’s 125, 150 yards in, that means a lot”, he added.

How Earl Woods Helped Shape Tiger’s Approach to Scoring

Tiger Woods often spoke about how much his father, Earl, shaped not just his swing but the entire way he thought about the game.

One lesson in particular stood out. Earl never wanted Tiger to feel satisfied with a good score — he always pushed for better.

If Tiger made a five on a par-five, that hole would become a par four next time and the same applied to par-fours and par-threes.

“It taught me never be afraid to go low,” said Woods.

That lesson stuck with him throughout his career and is something plenty of young players could learn from today.

Bryson DeChambeau has taken a similar approach. He sometimes plays courses from forward tees to get used to staying aggressive when deep under par.

It’s another example of how mindset training can be as important as technical skill in golf.

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