Tiger Woods is arguably one of the players you can refer to as the GOAT. Naturally, his son, who followed in his footsteps and is playing golf, unlike Samantha Woods, is expected to have somewhat a similar path. You see, at just 15 years old, Tiger Woods made history. He was the youngest U.S. Junior Amateur champion. That same year, Woods was honored as both the Southern California Amateur Player of the Year (for the second consecutive time) and Golf Digest Junior Amateur Player of the Year. So, Charlie has big shoes to fill, right from the start.

The crowd followed Woods. Even now it does. Take the 2024 Masters for example, where he was distracted by the crowd. Well, it is pretty much the same with Charlie Woods. The crowd loves him too. His coach mentions that at his school’s tournament, fans wait for him in hiding. But given the generation gap, both of them react to it differently. 

At the presser held before the PNC Championship, Woods was asked if he was as comfortable as his son when he was fifteen years old. Taking to this, he said, “No. It’s a different time and era. I didn’t have this much attention. As you said, I met Jack that day, but also I met Byron Nelson for the first time that day, as well. That was a great day back in those days. I warmed up for Jack, and I had to get back for my high school match that afternoon.”

During a clinic held by Nicklaus at Bel-Air Country Club, the Golden Bear had the opportunity to observe Woods’ swing up close for the first time. According to Woods’ biography, at one point, Nicklaus asked Tiger to demonstrate his swing. As a 15-year-old who had gained attention as “golf’s great black hope,” Woods reportedly felt the gaze of everyone at the clinic shift from Nicklaus to himself.

He also added how back in his days, Tiger Woods would tee up and play with great names, and at the same time would also play college games. Charlie Woods has been doing the same thing but with greater confidence. “That’s what Charlie is doing. He’s playing golf with us, and then playing the high school matches. The type of attention is very different than what I had. We didn’t have social media. We didn’t have camera phones. We didn’t have any of that. It was kind of hearsay amongst neighbors. It was a different time and era,” he added.

This time and age is different for golf, so much more than what it was 3 decades ago. Media was limited, exposure was limited, but now Charlie’s every move is being watched and heavily scrutinized. Something that might hinder his play. What Charlie needs is to be himself without that extra pressure, and should be respected for his accolades, without comparing them to his father’s.

The media has become a lot harsher these days, and the golf community leaves no opportunity to scrutinize players. Even if he is just a 15 YO. Even Paige Spiranac defended Charlie Woods on this point.

Paige Spiranac was enraged with the community’s treatment 

Charlie Woods finished the first round of the pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic in Florida. Although he is still just a boy, expectations were high. The entire round he played, he was followed by a huge crowd on the course. Every shot that he carded was put under a scanner on social media, that’s how closely he was being monitored. This undoubtedly put him in a spot, increasing the pressure.

That was his first attempt to qualify for a PGA Tour event and according to Paige Spiranac, it isn’t right to put so much pressure on him. She took to her X account and wrote, “How about we let Charlie Woods develop his game without constant media coverage? Golf is mentally challenging enough without all the added eyeballs on him and pressure. It was a pre qualifier for the Monday qualifier. A lot of juniors play in prequels and Mondays for the experience. It’s not uncommon at all.”

While Charlie Woods is used to it now, it still calls for a change. Because let’s not forget, he is still a kid struggling to match with his father’s legacy, and earn a name for himself. What are your thoughts on Charlie Woods? Let us know in the comments section below!