Charlie Woods is being credited for his winning outlook after landing a big victory, which has many fans comparing the teenager to his 15-time major-winning father, Tiger
The prodigal son is once again earning widespread plaudits for his response after winning big this week. And Charlie Woods continues to convince fans he may be bound to follow in his father’s footsteps after showcasing an elite mindset.
The teenage son of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods landed his first Amateur Junior Golf Association (AJGA) title on Wednesday. Charlie topped the leaderboard at the Team TaylorMade Invitational after carding a third-round 66 to finish at 15-under and comfortably clear of his competition.
The result is being dubbed the best performance of Woods Jr. ‘s career to date. But in addition to the display itself, it’s the words that followed that are convincing fans to liken the emerging star to his golf icon dad.
“I didn’t look at the leaderboard once today,” said the 16-year-old. “On the fairway after hitting the green on 18, he’s [Woods’ caddie] like, ‘you make par here, you’re going to be fine.’
Those words illustrate the kind of character that often leads to great things. The ability to concentrate on one’s own game, irrespective of how others are performing around you, is a rare one but points toward an individual confident in what they can do to influence their own fortunes.
And Woods’ skills paid the bills at the Black Course at Streamsong Resort in his home state of Florida. And it’s not as though the competition wasn’t steep, with fellow junior gems like Miles Russell, Phillip Dunham and Luke Colton each in the field.
The Orlando-born prospect was frustrated to miss out on U.S. Open qualifying earlier in May but has bounced back in swift fashion. And that too is an invaluable quality in the world of golf, dusting one’s self down to make the next shot when it arises.
The only way is up for arguably the most watched golf junior in the world right now. And confidence was clearly high for Woods Jr in the wake of a landmark win, not that he’s looking to rest on his laurels anytime soon.
“Being able to say to myself that I won an absolutely amazing event and to say I performed under some high-pressure situations is just huge going forward,” he continued. “I haven’t been able to say that I have done that, and now that I can, it is just a big thing for my mental game going forward.”
The three-day event started in promising fashion as Woods opened his campaign with a two-under-par 70. However, it was his final two rounds of 65 and 66 that really turned the screw on his opponents.
That first round included eight birdies, one eagle, five bogeys, one triple bogey and just three pars. Granted, the youngster may look to clean up that side of things in future, but it didn’t take him long to adjust at Streamsong.
Woods’ path to the PGA is arguably tougher than that of his peers given the last name he bears comes with mighty expectations. Growing up as the son of Tiger Woods undoubtedly comes with supreme privilege, but he’s also showing signs of great growth despite the burden he’s under.
This year is effectively an audition process for the up-and-comer considering colleges can begin their recruitment drive for the player this summer. And in the wake of a breakthrough victory in Florida, it looks as though he won’t be short of interest.
