The golf legend, Tiger Woods, has a unique approach to his relationship with his 15-year-old son Charlie Woods. Despite being one of the greatest golfers of his generation, Woods has chosen not to coach Charlie. This decision has sparked curiosity among golf enthusiasts and fans alike. Therefore, Woods opens up about his reasoning behind this choice in a rare glimpse into their father-son dynamics. 

The 15x major champ has opened up about his life and parenthood in a YouTube series. In 2021, the first episode of ‘A Round With Tiger: Celebrity Playing Lessons’ featured Woods and Jada Pinkett Smith. After they teed off, Will Smith’s wife asked whether he trains his son.

The 15x major champ replied, “No! He just watches me do it, and then he kind of does it,“ agreeing with Pinkett Smith that his son is “a natural.”

Woods’ approach to parenting Charlie reflects on his experiences with his father, Earl Woods. Earl had a notable influence on Tiger’s golfing career, serving as his coach and mentor. However, their relationship was also criticized for being overly intense and pressure-filled. “I don’t want him to fall into that trap.”

The legend seemed determined to avoid repeating this pattern with Charlie, instead; he allowed his son to develop his unique style and passion for the game.

Woods’ son Charlie, who has already shown promise as a young golfer, acted as his father’s swing coach and joined him at the US Open 2024. As the legend, puts it, “I trust him with my swing and my game. He’s seen it more than anybody else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone.” Not only did this experience accelerate Charlie’s knowledge and expertise in golf, but stressed the trust and confidence Woods has in his son. 

Woods’ willingness to prioritize his son’s well-being speaks volumes, as who wouldn’t want to be coached by the legend. Even though Woods doesn’t coach Charlie, they have participated in tournaments jointly, such as the PNC Championship. In the 2023 PNC Championship, Woods gave a surprise to his fans. He introduced his daughter Sam to caddie for both father and son!

Moreover, Tiger Woods also expressed gratitude for his daughter Sam, revealing the valuable lessons she has taught him. He reconciled her support, stating, “She has taught me how to be more patient.” However, like any protective parent, Woods also admitted, “But I don’t ever want her to leave home.” As Charlie continues to develop his golf skills, it is interesting how Woods balances his role as a supportive father with his legacy in the golf world. 

Tiger Woods’ mental toughness legacy

Tiger Woods is passing on the mental lessons he learned from his late father. In an interview at the Hero World Challenge, Woods revealed he plays mind games with Charlie on the golf course, trying to get into his head and prepare him for the game’s mental challenges. Woods explained, “It’s non-stop, non-stop. It’s trying to get him-If I can get into his head, that means someone else can get into his head. It’s going to get to a point where I can’t get into his head, and then no one else can get in there either.”

The 48-year-old is doing the same thing, just as his father Earl Woods approaches him. In a Nike commercial Woods’s father narrated, “You don’t really instill anything in a child, you encourage the development of it.” And here 82x PGA Tour champ is taking a similar approach, pushing him to develop his mental game through strategic distractions on the course. Woods concluded, “That’s what my dad believed… You’ve got to be willing to take it.”

Tiger Woods’ decision to not coach his son Charlie roots his to let him develop his path and avoid the pitfalls. Do you think his decision is justified?