Well, maybe "sucks" is a strong word ... but the NY Giants stud rookie running back knows he needs a lot of help on the links and thinks Tiger is just the man for the job.

You've probably seen the pics of Barkley on the course ... dude looks like a monster with a club -- and he's revealing his new nickname, "Thigh-ger Woods."

"I need some lessons," Barkley joked to TMZ Sports ... "I need more than some lessons!"

There's more ... Barkley -- who just became a first-time dad -- also talked about being a parent.

But between changing diapers and training with the Giants ... good luck finding time to golf!!!