Charles Howell III Makes an Honest Admission About Tiger Woods: ‘He Was Better Than Me at Everything’

To hear younger players talk about how Tiger Woods is a delight. But to hear the same from the likes of someone like Charles Howell III who’s been competing with Tiger since 1996 gives you quite a perspective on what a journey it’s been. And despite the years gone by, you realize, nothing ever changed much in the span of 0ver 20 years.

Just for you younger fans out there who may have not known, Tiger Woods and Charles Howell III are players who have clashed irons and clubs way before the Tiger Woods era of the legacy started. Right around the start of his career, a 17-year-old Charles Howell would go on to meet a then 20-year-old Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods aims to be the best at everything

In the latest episode of the ‘Subpar‘ podcast with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, Charles unwinds to discuss everything from arguably being the youngest to play at Augusta National to meeting a then 20-year-old Tiger Woods for the first time.

It seems a young and naïve Howell would go on to think that he’d be winning against his fellow competitor, whose reputation and caliber had only started to surface at the point. Much to his dismay, a young Tiger Woods would go on to show him how to lose at more than just a game of golf.

When asked how it feels to see Tiger Woods go on to achieve everything that he has, Howell says, “So I moved to Orlando right out of college. And one of the reasons to move here was to be around Tiger Woods. And, you know, he was the guy. I figured if I’m gonna do this as a pro, let’s hang around maybe the best to ever do it.”

Howell took the approach of choosing to learn from the best instead of trying to beat the best; a pretty smart move, all things considered.

Charles also goes on to say, “From practicing with him and playing with him at home and all that it was clear that he was better than me at everything.”

If we had to cross-check Howell’s statements with almost anyone who’s ever had the chance of meeting a young Tiger Woods, we’re pretty sure that they’d confirm he was even more competitive than he is today. A countless number of interviews and past accounts all point to the same.

From young amateurs to veterans of the PGA Tour

Both Charles Howell III and Tiger Woods surpass 22 years as professionals in 2022, with Tiger having a 4-year head start. Howell just went on to mark his 600th PGA Tour start with the WM Phoenix Open back in February, becoming just the 69th player to reach that milestone.

It’s been quite a ride for both Tiger Woods and Charles Howell III since 1996, but the highlight of what they seem to share in common is the fact that both of them got to witness a champion in the making.