You can confirm Charlie Woods’ readiness for his debut at Oakland Hills in the US Junior Am by asking his coach.

In a bid to realize his aspiration and secure entry into the PGA Tour event, Charlie Woods attempted to participate in golf back in February.

However, the 15-year-old encountered something that only a handful of teenage athletes get exposed to as fans came in droves with their own plans.

On Wednesday, Toby Harbeck, Charlie’s high school golf coach at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida commented to the Free Press that individuals were chatting with him as they walked along the fairway and it negatively impacted his performance as he did not play well.

“It’s not fair how some of the things that happened to this unfortunate child unfolded.”

During a qualifying event for the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic in Hobe Sound, Florida, Charlie shot 16-over 86 on that particular day. Despite it being an ordeal and challenging experience, he viewed it as another opportunity to learn and prepare himself for the big test that arrived this summer.

The individual who can relate most effectively is none other than Tiger Woods – a 15-time major-winning golfer and an internationally renowned athlete, who also happens to be Charlie’s dad.

Charlie’s swift entry into the public sphere has necessitated his rapid maturation. Beginning on Monday, he will make his inaugural appearance at a United States Golf Association championship event – specifically, the U.S. Junior Amateur hosted by Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township which boasts of historic significance. Charlie’s tee time is scheduled for 8:28 a.m.on Monday,and soon after that,on Tuesdayat1:48 p.m.,he’ll be playing onthe South Course.

By unexpectedly coming in first place at a qualifying event held in Florida during June, Charlie successfully earned himself a position within the U.S. Junior Amfield competition.

What’s even more remarkable is how he managed to win the qualifier by beating 86 other players vying for three spots despite starting with a bogey and double-bogey, ultimately scoring an impressive 1-under-par-71.

Charlie expressed to reporters after the game, “Qualifying for my first USGA championship brought an amazing feeling. I hold the USGA in high regard and hope to win their championships someday, including the U.S. Open.”

Although Charlie is a newcomer in the world of golf, he has rapidly captivated fans with his resemblance to his father’s mannerisms and posture. He made an entrance into the public eye at just 12 years old during the PNC Championship in 2021 where pros partner up with family members for a two-day, 36-hole tournament.

Last year as a freshman, he was chosen by four senior teammates to be their fifth player and aided in securing a state title for his high school team.

Charlie is starting to go through comparable hardships as Tiger did, but on a significantly lesser degree. Nonetheless, an increasing number of individuals are observing his every action.

Harbeck shared that their team had a true experience of it in the previous season during their trip to Naples. He compared it to watching Tiger play golf, where large crowds follow him around, and pointed out that Charlie has a similar following as well – with 30 or 40 people constantly by his side. You can easily spot exactly where both players are on the course because of this crowd size.

Starting from Monday, the number of spectators at the free and ticketless six-day event will witness an exponential growth with officials from USGA and Oakland Hills making arrangements for thousands of attendees. The aim is to identify the most talented player among 264 contestants under 19 years old.

Charlie’s mental toughness will be put to the test once again, as he is anticipated to amass the biggest fanbase yet again. However, this time around his followers are predicted to possess just a smidgen of experience in their corner ropes.

Is it yet another distraction? It comes as little surprise that Tiger is anticipated to wander around the well-known Oakland Hills area to witness his son’s participation. (Tiger was last seen in a competitive game at this club during the 2004 Ryder Cup on South Course.)

Harbeck stated his certainty that Tiger would attend, saying he believed the golf player would fly directly from England after competing in the British Open. Harbeck acknowledged that Tiger’s parents were prohibited from caddying at this event and mentioned Luke Wise as another one of his players who could serve as a substitute for him instead.

Tiger’s remarkable achievements have set a high bar for Charlie, as he reached the U.S. Junior Am semifinals at just 14 years old in 1990 and went on to make history with an unprecedented string of six consecutive USGA titles – three being U.S. Junior Am championships followed by three straight wins in the U.S Amateur tournament.

Although the pressure on parents who coach youth sports is typically high, those pressures are relatively minimal for famous figures such as Tiger Woods. Thus far, Harbeck has demonstrated remarkable ease in coaching these individuals due to his 40 years of experience coaching notable young golfers at Benjamin School; some of whom include Jack Nicklaus’ sons and Greg Norman’s son.

According to Harbeck, who got to know Tiger a little last year, he observed that Tiger doesn’t pressure Charlie when it comes to learning how to do something or playing better. Rather than being overbearing, if Charlie expresses interest in improving himself in any way at all – be it regarding his golf game or otherwise – he goes straight to dad and asks for help. In response we see the nurturing side of Tiger as ‘Dad’, helping him become the best version of himself without imposing undue stress on him like many professional athletes often struggle with outside their profession where they may feel more responsible toward critics. Regardless of what people normally expect from an athlete legend such as Woods; eliciting autographs during numerous public appearances; taking pictures alongside fans while signing shirts/messages based around adoration: this particular aspect is very different from the norm showing just how humble they really are despite fame status within society! Elin (Charlie’s mom) joins her former hubby emotionally supportive encouraging son towards growth whenever possible noting positive transformations observing definitive moments amid everyday activities together through continued communication either personal/technological means creating stability inspiring strength kindled fire lying dormant waiting inside themselves destined forge path previously uncharted leading fulfillment eventual happiness down line paved intentions set long ago finally bearing fruit spreading joy productivity wherever fortunate enough influence those nearest dearest heart exceeded expectations unimaginably providing hope future bright ahead:#

Making it to the Benjamin School varsity golf team is quite challenging. However, Charlie caught Harbeck’s attention even before attempting a tryout and continued to impress him throughout the process. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as Charlie only began playing more competitively about two years ago.

Harbeck observed last summer that the player had made significant progress in his game. He had dedicated much effort to enhancing various skills, prompting Harbeck’s positive impression of him. Nonetheless, one aspect still concerned him – he reminisced about when the player was in eighth grade and lacked sufficient reach as a hitter. However, presently, with remarkable improvements and growth spurts under his belt; this prospective team member finished first place within their group during the qualification process for making the squad last year.”

Charlie, who is placed at the 763rd spot in The Universal Golf Rankings, hasn’t had a smooth journey with numerous setbacks.

In his American Junior Golf Association debut in March, he finished tied for 32nd out of 50 and shot an overall score of 21 over par. However, his attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst was a longshot that didn’t pan out as planned when he scored an 81 in April.

The expectations placed on Tiger’s son are extremely demanding, particularly when it comes to golfing and the over-exaggerated storylines.

Due to his mannerisms bearing a striking resemblance to those of his father and displaying an impressive skills set, as seen at the PNC Championship last winter where he launched one drive for 335 yards, expertly executed approach shots and improved short game – it is no wonder that excitement surrounds him.

Harbeck spoke highly of him, describing him as a remarkable young man. During his observation, he noticed how reserved and cautious the kid was around his new teammates who had already established themselves in the team before his arrival. The unique thing about this youngster is that he never arrived with any pomp or fanfare; instead, Charlie worked hard to earn everyone’s respect over time by being himself. As mid-season approached, it became evident that he had seamlessly integrated into the team as if he’d been there for years like everybody else.”

Charlie’s toughest challenge yet may come from both the competitive field and course difficulties at The U.S. Junior Am held at Oakland Hills, boasting two courses crafted by legendary Donald Ross back in 1918.

To avoid the thick rough, players are required to keep themselves away from trouble while hitting tee balls. Moreover, they must remain composed and not get frustrated during approach shots to reach the massive greens that have undulations and speed. According to Harbeck’s instructions, Charlie needs to steer clear of making errors repeatedly as it may worsen his game.

On Monday and Tuesday, stroke play will be conducted wherein every player is required to complete one round on both the North Course and the renowned South Course that was reopened in 2021 after a major renovation costing $12 million, famously known as “The Monster”.

Starting Wednesday, the South Course will host match play for the top 64 competitors who have qualified. The ultimate showdown will take place next Saturday in a grueling 36-hole contest with only one winner earning exemption to participate in the Oakmont Country Club hosted U.S. Open of 2025.

Harbeck expressed confidence in the potential for victory, stating “I believe he has what it takes to win.” He sets a high standard for his young proteges competing at events such as the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur Championships – making it to match play rounds is always the objective. The achievement of reaching top 64 proves significant enough that even just qualifying would be an impressive accomplishment!