Can Charlie Woods Become the Next Big Thing in Golf?

The public loves a father-son sports story, especially when that father is arguably not only the best golfer of all time but one of the greatest athletes as well.

With college football over and the NFL nearing its finale, golf gears up for another season of comebacks, fresh faces, and PGA/LIV drama.?

Amidst a new season, a popular question surrounds an up-and-comer with enough golf genes to win John Daly another major: Can Charlie Woods become the next big thing in golf?

The 14-year-old with serious clubhead speed (between 115 and 120 mph) has moved back a tee and is rumored to have signed his first clothing deal. Additionally, in the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club last month, Charlie carried a drive of 320 yards. He and Tiger tied for fifth, well behind Bernhard Langer and his son, Jason.?

The boy’s statistics are strong, and the high school freshman, along with his fellow Benjamin School Buccaneers, won their fourth state championship in November.?

So, do sons of professional golfers mirror their fathers’ success? Historically, the odds aren’t in Charlie’s favor.?

Jack Burke Jr. surpassed his father (Jack Burke Sr.), winning two Masters and 14 tournaments. Bill Haas’ six PGA wins came close to Dad Jay’s nine, but Jay experienced more longevity, playing on three Ryder Cup teams compared to Bill’s one-time President’s Cup showing.?

Other father-son professionals include the Stadlers and the Tways, but the closest hype to the Woods duo belongs to Jack Nicklaus and his son Gary.?

Gary struggled early in his career, qualifying for the PGA in 1999 after eight attempts. He finished second to Mickelson in the 2000 BellSouth Classic and 15th in 2001 at the Memorial Tournament (hosted by Jack). Making only six cuts in 2003, Gary gave up professional golf until much later playing minimally on the Champions Tour.

For Charlie, perspective is key. The younger Woods recorded his lowest score — a 66 — last September at the Last Chance Regional. This lifetime accomplishment for most is still well above Tiger’s lowest score (unofficial) of 59.

Comparisons will be constant, and that’s a huge burden for a 14 (or even 40) year-old. Charlie’s eagles will be magnified, but so will his bogeys. Handling intense media and public scrutiny normally proves calamitous for teenagers in the spotlight, but Charlie’s dad has loads of experience here; the kid won’t be alone under the glaring spotlight.?

Charlie’s success largely depends on Charlie, but it also rests with his father. And, like it or not, baggage is often passed down through generations. Only Tiger knows if Charlie needs the intense “psychological training” that he endured from his father Earl or rather a softer method of coaching.