Will Charlie Woods become the next Tiger Woods? Were we to ask if Charlie Woods will ever win as many championships as his dear old dad?
Charlie is a mile away from his father and uses a swing that is both athletic and fundamentally sound. He also emulates many of the mannerisms he employs while on the course.
If you are familiar with golf’s history and know the game’s players, then it is likely that Charlie will win just as many major titles as your old man.
Perhaps that is a little harsh. Second-generation golfers are not a new phenomenon. It was only 130 years ago when Willie Park Jr. took home his second British Open, bringing the total of father and son up to six.
Young Tom Morris, another second-generation champion, had won his fourth in just 15 years.
We’re not saying that there is no chance.
Charlie Woods’ golfing skills have been praised for many years. Most recently, at the PNC Championship, an annual silly seaseon event in Orlando, he and dad tied for 5th place in a group of 20 teams.
Charlie’s team had won the Class 1A State Championship a month earlier. Charlie was tied for 19th place with rounds of 78 to 76.
He’s already a good high school golfer at 14. At this stage, it’s impossible to tell if he’ll end up with a professional golf career or, for example, a life as a banker or lawyer, who has a one-digit handicap, and occasionally uses the “Reserved For Club Champion” parking space down at the club.
Tiger Woods is measured by Jack Nicklaus. Gary Nicklaus was the best of Jack’s sons and daughter. When Gary was 16 years old and played for the same high school Charlie Woods attends today, Sports Illustrated featured him with the headline “The Next Nicklaus.”
Do you think Gary was under any pressure because of the prominence that magazine had at the time?
Not quite. Gary was able to make it to the PGA Tour, and stayed for a few seasons, but he lost in a BellSouth Classic playoff to Phil Mickelson.
Only ten father/son combinations have won PGA Tour events. These are: Julius Boros and Guy Boros; Al and Brent Geiberger; Craig and Kevin Stadler; Bob and Kevin Tway. Joe Kirkwood Sr. & Jr. Jack Burke Sr. & Jr. Clayton and Vance Heafner Jay and Bill Haas Old Tom Morris & Young Tom Morris Willie Park – Willie Park Jr.
When you compare the number of stars in other sports, you’ll find that there are a lot more second-generation winners. The answer is not difficult to understand. The son of an ex-pro, such as Ken Griffey Jr., or Christian McCaffrey is more likely to be given more attention and reps early on, which will give him more chances to succeed.
Genetics can also be helpful.
Results are what matter in golf, as well as other sports. No matter how prestigious your name is, it doesn’t really matter. The name might help a young pro to get an invite from a sponsor into a tournament here and there. One of these opportunities could trigger a breakthrough. If you have the right professional qualities, it’s unlikely that you will rely on sponsors for very long.
Charlie Woods has the equipment and access to the courses and practice facilities that he needs to excel. He also has a good instructor at the dinner table.
This instructor did things that were never considered probable and others which were never thought to be possible. History and odds can also be powerful.
