Capelle On Golf

Charlie Axel Woods, son of Tiger Woods, was born yesterday (2/8/09) and you can already hear the screams from parents who thought their kids would be free from Woods’ domination.

Well, as luck would have it, they should have a window, but only because Tiger, unlike Jack Nicklaus, delayed having kids until his thirties. Here are the numbers: If Woods retires at age 43 having played through his 42nd year in 2018, that would be 22 full seasons on tour. Charlie will be 9.

At that point, Tiger can devote even more time to preparing him to become Woods II. The keys would be training, talent, and desire. We know he’ll have the training (more on that in a moment), he should have a boatload of talent considering who his dad is, so all that’s left is the desire to top dear old dad in the record books.

Charlie should be on the fast track to super stardom like Tiger, who won his first major at 21. So look for him to emerge as a mega talent at age 19, or in 2028. That gives the other pros a nine year window (2019-2027) to win majors between the Woods’ Reigns of Terror.

So, when does Charlie go into training? Ten months would be December. We know Tiger’s story from ten months. Now let’s look at what Charlie’s might look like if he followed a similar path.

Imagine if he can sit in a high chair and watch Tiger swing! He’ll get an even better imprint than Tiger did, putting him at an advantage from the get go. And as for a swing coach, while Rudy Duran and John Anselmo were certainly competent enough, master Charlie’s swing will be learned from the best right from the start. There will be no need for those time consuming swing changes that have cost dad so many major. Woods, a consummate student of the swing (except for the driver) can teach him, or he can bring in Hank Haney or whomever he chooses.

Tiger perfected his skill at the local muni courses, but Charlie won’t have to suffer from these second rate facilities. No, he will enjoy perfect training grounds year round in sunny Florida. Tiger’s backyard will be filled with the items that are typical for any kid – no, not swings or playhouses, but sand boxes, the type you see next to putting greens - of which there will likely be several on their private par 3 course.

Mental game couch? No need to bring Jay Brunza back for round 2 now that Tiger the student has become Tiger the master. Now put Tiger on Charlie’s bag when he’s 12 and you can imagine the resume this kid will start to build. Indeed, he will learn the Art of the W from the master himself. And, should Tiger grow just a wee bit soft in his later years, Grandma Woods can be brought in to add that sharp edge to his competitiveness.

Indeed, the case for Charlie Axel Woods, golfing superstar, looks quite compelling, But there is one problem. Will Tiger have enough time over the next decade to create Tiger II, or will he be too busy completing his legacy?