Charles Barkley and Tiger Woods are no longer friends.
The legendary NBA star and the prominent PGA Tour star were friends for much of the 1990s and 2000s. However, Barkley – an avid, but pretty terrible golfer – decided to end his friendship with Woods more than a decade ago. Barkley, 63, was unhappy with one of Woods’ firings.
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Woods decided to part ways with his longtime caddie, Steve Williams, more than a decade ago. For Barkley, that was the “final straw” in their relationship. He had no interest in being friends with Woods after that.
“It’s been very frustrating to watch everything that has transpired,” Barkley said back in 2011, during an appearance on ESPN New York 1050’s The Mike Lupica Show.
“And getting rid of Steve Williams was probably the last straw for me.”
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Charles and Tiger are no longer friends.Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Barkley thought he and Woods had a strong relationship. However, he quietly ended the friendship when he realized that wasn’t the case.
“You think you’re friends with a guy. You talk to him once a week for 15 years. You’re like, this dude is my friend, we do things, we have fun together,” Barkley said. “I haven’t talked to him in two years, and I’m wondering what the (expletive) is going on…It was interesting sitting back and listening and hearing me, and Michael corrupted him, yet we knew none of this stuff was going in.”
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Things haven’t been getting much better for Woods lately, either. He was arrested for DUI last month. Woods had to leave the country to get treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” the 15-time major champion said in a statement posted to his social media accounts Tuesday night. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
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Barkley is working on restoring another friendship
As his friendship with Woods is over, Barkley is working on restoring another high-profile friendship: his one with Michael Jordan.
Barkley and Jordan weren’t on speaking terms for a while. Barkley had been critical of Jordan’s tenure leading the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan, an all-time competitor, was bothered by his friend’s criticism.
But things are getting better.
“We had a conversation,” Barkley told Chris Russo last week. “We’re going to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”
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Barkley made it known that he always “had a lot of love” for Jordan and he hopes their relationship will be mended.
“We’re not like Prince William and Prince Harry. We always had a lot of love for each other. But we talked, actually, in the last probably 72 hours. We decided to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”
His relationship with Tiger Woods, though, is a different story.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports Media section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.