Tiger Woods’ son Charlie is already making waves in the golfing world – and he looks to have taken on board a key piece of advice from his high school coach
Charlie Woods, the promising son of golf legend Tiger Woods, has shown he’s a fast learner by addressing a critique from his high school coach. The 16-year-old golfer clinched the biggest victory of his budding career at the Team TaylorMade Invitational on Wednesday.
After a shaky start on the Black Course at Streamsong Resort, the teenager bounced back to secure a memorable win. His improved performance seemed to reflect the advice of his coach Toby Harbeck, who had previously suggested that the young golfer was too hard on himself.
While it’s not common for golfers to openly acknowledge criticism, focusing too much on one’s mistakes can be counterproductive. Harbeck, who coaches Woods at Benjamin School, had noted that the youngster’s self-criticism, while reminiscent of his father’s approach, could be a hindrance if taken to extremes.
“He’s tough on himself,” Harbeck said in November last year. “If he could just relax and play, store some of that energy, it’s good. He’s just young. He’s got a lot of Dad in him.”
It seems Charlie took these words to heart, as evidenced by his relaxed and confident performance at the Team TaylorMade Invitational, reports the Mirror US.
“I didn’t look at the leaderboard once today,” he disclosed, reflecting on his impressive final-round 66 on Wednesday. “On the fairway after hitting the green on 18, he’s [Woods’ caddie] like: ‘You make par here, you’re going to be fine.'”
After clinching victory with a remarkable 15-under finish overall, three shots ahead of Willie Gordon, the young sensation has shown the power of keeping one’s cool and not overvaluing any single performance.
The game of golf is infamous for its mental demands, piling more pressure on individuals than almost any other sport – an intensity Charlie knows all too well, especially carrying the weight of his father’s towering achievements.
Yet as the time approaches for college team offers to start rolling in this summer, spectators might witness a newly refined Woods on the horizon, one who has learned to unleash his potential by allowing himself to play freely.
Every eye is on Woods lately, especially after scooping up his first AJGA title to much acclaim. It’s evident that the young golfer is coming into his own, evolving both his game and his personal resilience.
Even with the immense expectations cast by his father, a titan with 15 major trophies, the youngster must dive into the fray to carve out his path and strive towards the family’s prestigious record in golf.
Still nearly a year shy of his 17th birthday, there’s ample scope for further development. And considering the progress he has made in just the past six months, there’s optimism that the family dynasty may have spawned another budding superstar.
