Charlie had a tough 2024 but seems to share his father’s resilience.
Tiger Woods walks with his son CharlieLAPRESSE
The son of Tiger Woods is said to be eerily like the golfing legend but perhaps not always in the best way, as one of his former coaches warns his self-critical nature could disrupt his budding career in the sport.
Charlie Woods will be pushing to make the PGA Tour in a few years but for now, the 15-year-old is currently trying to hone is craft in amateur and junior competitions and as far as it goes, he had a tough year in 2024.
After a disappointing US Junior Amateur, the youngster managed to rebound at the South Florida Junior PGA Cup to show the kind of mettle associated with his father as he tries to navigate the exceptional pressure.
And in light of that, his former coach said that his aggressive attitude and desire for improvement is why he mirrors his father, as well as his swing, but that the mental traits could also be a curse if he isn’t careful.
“He’s tough on himself,” Tony Harbeck told reporters. “If he could just relax and play, [and] store some of that energy, it’s good.
“He’s just young. He’s got a lot of Dad in him.”
Harbeck, who coached him during high school, isn’t alone in his assessment either. The world number two, Xander Schauffele also thinks the kid is too tough on himself as he tries to live up to the legacy of a 15-time majors champion.
“He’s making it as hard on himself as possible,” Schauffele said. “And I know he’s hard on himself, too. It’s just hard.”
Woods to back Charlie all the way
Despite being known and revered for his popularity and dominance of the PGA scene from 1997-2008, Woods’ reputation for being a self-critic and his drive for improvement are no secret to anyone.
The now 48-year-old never left a blade of grass untouched in his pursuit of greatness and the 82-time winner is known for being harsh on himself, even in the face of debilitating injuries that he couldn’t always do anything about.
So whilst Charlie looks as though he could have inherited that mental fortitude, he will also have to make sure he carefully navigates that water to avoid disrupting his own progress and fortunately, Tiger is accompanying his son on the green to make sure he doesn’t cross the limit of hunger.
