It’s not easy being the son of a legend, especially when you’re trying to carve out your own path in the same sport. Charlie Woods, the son of golf icon Tiger Woods, is facing a challenge that his dad knows all too well. As Charlie navigates the world of professional golf, he’s encountering a problem that’s both familiar and frustrating. The constant attention and scrutiny that come with being a Woods can be overwhelming.
Charlie’s recent experiences at the USGA Championship are a prime example. He was accompanied by his father as he made his debut, which garnered a lot of attention. Throughout the championship, Tiger Woods followed Charlie during his games, attracting a massive crowd along the way. To manage the situation, several bodyguards were present to keep Tiger Woods separated and safe from the public.
As Charlie attempted to qualify for the knockout competition, he faced significant challenges. He shot a disappointing 12-over 82 with a T242 finish. Tiger Woods was still by his side, following him and carefully observing his strategy. As the word of Mr. T’s attendance spread around, an entire crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the 15-time major winner and the 15-year-old’s game.
“It’s just insanity, and he deals with it every day. He has to go out and play, um, it’s a lot of that, he sort of like dealt with that, and he just sort of made peace with it…Stepping into that circle, man, it’s like being inside a tornado,” said Hunter Mayhem, PGA Tour Pro and recent guest on the Par 3 Podcast with J.R. Smith & Stephen Malbon on YouTube. “It’s wild, and as a player, you’re used to being in control, but when you’re playing with Tiger, or in Charlie’s case, being his son, it’s a whole different story.”
Tiger Woods has spoken publicly about the chaos that surrounds him on the course and how he’s had to “make peace” with it over the years. Now, Charlie is facing the same issue, with crowds and cameras following his every move. Mayhem noted that Charlie’s frustration is palpable, saying, “It’s like, who are you, and why are you telling me what to do? I’m just trying to play my game, but it’s hard when everyone’s staring at you.”
An example of this was seen this year only.
Charlie Woods got a harsh taste of the intense scrutiny that comes with being the son of a golf legend. During a Cognizant Classic pre-qualifier at Lost Lake Golf Club in Florida, the 15-year-old’s attempt to qualify for his first PGA Tour event was marred by unruly fan behavior. Fans swarmed the fairway, ignoring officials’ requests to stay back.
The fans’ enthusiasm sometimes tipped into absurdity. One enthusiastic grandmother even pulled her granddaughter out of school, hoping Charlie would notice her. Things took a bizarre turn when a fan asked Charlie to sign a book written by his dad, Tiger Woods – and then yelled at an official who said no.
Amidst all the chaos, Charlie showed remarkable composure but ultimately shot a 16-over 86, falling short of advancing to the main qualifier. Do you think such increased scrutiny is fair to the teenager? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
