Golf is a challenging sport, made even more daunting for those with renowned names in the family. With Tiger Woods’ legacy hanging in the balance, his son Charlie Woods will be facing this reality in the years to come. This phenomenon is one Jack Nicklaus is already familiar with.
Prior to Scottie Scheffler defending his title at the Memorial tournament, the focus was partly on a significant win by Charlie Woods, Tiger’s 16-year-old son, who recently clinched his first American Junior Golf Association title. The question loomed over which victory would generate more buzz on social media—Scheffler’s win or Charlie’s achievement.
Nicklaus empathizes with the pressure on the younger Woods, speaking from personal experience. His eldest son, Jackie, had notable successes, including winning the North & South Amateur at Pinehurst, and played collegiate golf at North Carolina. However, the spotlight was notably brighter on Nicklaus’ third son, Gary, who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated at just 16 with the headline “The Next Nicklaus.”
Nicklaus recalls how the overwhelming attention caused Gary to retreat from the sport temporarily. Despite Gary ultimately playing four years at Ohio State, securing a European tour card, and qualifying for the PGA Tour in 1999, Nicklaus believes the pressure from early media coverage was excessive.
Similar publicity surrounded Nicklaus’ grandson, G.T., when he aced a hole during the Par 3 Contest at the 2018 Masters. Nicklaus warns of the difficulties imposed on young golfers by such attention, especially in today’s hyper-connected world. Charlie Woods’ developing talent and the interest that comes with being Tiger’s son are evident. Last summer, when Charlie qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur, he drew an unparalleled crowd, raising the question of who people were really there to see.
Gary Nicklaus can relate. “I wonder how many people are going to come out watching my father watch me?” he would ponder. Though Nicklaus admits he doesn’t know much about Charlie, he’s impressed with the young Woods’ swing. Many junior golfers showcase exceptional talent these days, often before even reaching the pinnacle of their careers.
Charlie first appeared in professional golfing events on television at age 11, participating in the PNC Championship alongside his father, major champions and their family members. As Charlie grew, matured, and handled post-round interviews well, it’s evident he has inherited some of his father’s poise and love for golf.
While multiple father-son duos exist in golf, significant collective success is rare. One historic pair, Old Tom and Young Tom Morris, both British Open champions, remain exceptions. According to Nicklaus, children should find joy in the game independently. His own children played because they wanted to, not due to parental pressure.
Woods’ ascent to fame involved setting age-defying records, such as triumphing in three consecutive U.S. Juniors and U.S. Amateurs. Still, he understands the balance required to let Charlie pave his own path. At PNC last year, Woods said of his son, “I just am always reminding him, ‘Just be you.’” Encouraging Charlie to pursue his path, Woods strives to allow his son space in a world that often watches too closely.
“This generation, with phones, everyone is basically media. Charlie has to maneuver through constant scrutiny. My role is to support him. I just want him to be himself and have his own life,” Woods explains. For Charlie, living under the shadow of a legend may be the greatest challenge of all.