Like Father Like Son? Tiger Uses Similar Training on Charlie

The creation of the legendary Tiger Woods did not come without challenges.

It’s no secret that Earl Woods, Tiger’s father, was tough on him when it came to golf. Earl’s tactics he used on Tiger were heavily criticized throughout the years. Tiger picked up a golf club at just two years old leading to a public television appearance shortly after and by the time he was six, he was winning golf tournaments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods)

As time went on, Earl Woods’ ‘whatever it takes’ training methods used on Tiger started coming to light. From rattling change while he putts, to throwing keys or other objects in his line of sight, Tiger’s father did anything and everything to get in his son’s head – and it worked. It worked really really well.

When Tiger was 19, he told Sports Illustrated about dealing with his father’s unorthodox training style.

“I mean, yeah, I’d get angry sometimes. But I knew it was for the betterment of me. That’s what learning is all about, right?”

This past weekend at the 2021 PNC Championship, shades of Earl Woods can be seen in Tiger.

While Charlie Woods was putting on the practice green, Tiger can be seen walking towards him while hurling a golf ball through his line of sight. Unsurprisingly Charlie was unfazed, indicating that this probably wasn’t the first time his dad has done this.

Love this. @TigerWoods doing exactly what his dad did to him as a kid to Charlie. Trying to distract him with anything like rattling keys or making noise or throwing a golfball in his sight line forcing him to concentrate. @TWlegion pic.twitter.com/Az2At2Cx67

— Bob Frier (@FrierBob) December 17, 2021

Tiger revealed back in November with Golf Digest that he gets frustrated with the way Charlie handles himself in competitive situations at times.

“I’d watch him play and he’s going along great, he has one bad hole, he loses his temper, his temper carries him over to another shot and another shot and it compounds itself… I said, ‘Son, I don’t care how mad you get. Your head could blow off for all I care just as long as you’re 100 percent committed to the next shot. That’s all that matters.

That next shot should be the most important shot in your life. It should be more important than breathing. Once you understand that concept, then I think you’ll get better.’ And as the rounds went on throughout the summer, he’s gotten so much better.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Some people may disagree with the training methods Earl Woods deployed on young Tiger, but it’s hard to argue that it led to some of the greatest moments in the history of golf, made by one of, if not the greatest golfer to ever play the game.

Whether or not Charlie can withstand the same coaching style that his dad endured is a question no one knows for sure. But if Charlie can keep his focus, there is little reason to doubt that this kid has a bright golf future ahead.

Cover Image Via Instagram & Instagram