Charlie Howell

[Clubswinger21]

Cutos to this guy, he diserves his own thread, RX mentioned the ones who buckled in the other thread, how about the ones who didnt.. I've never been more impressed by someone chasing Tiger, let alone playing in the same group as him since John Daly at the 2005 WGC invitational. The way he's swinging right now he's the one to watch. I didnt see him miss a fairway during the coverage i saw, and he's hitting 165 9 irons? a few miss clubs but every shot was at the pin. And using the best clubs on the market can only help.

I admitt Its tiring to watch people leading a tournament, Tiger makes a move and then everyone crumbles, duffing chips and bunker shots.. when buckle hit that 50 yard pitch 20 feet over the green when he could of just played away from the pin and 2 putted for bogey I cringed.

[BritBoy]

I couldnt agree more clubswinger. I think when Howell learns how to win ( I know he has before ) and gets comfortable with it everyone needs to look out.

[J.P.]

No Question.

I like Charles a lot. I had a chance to follow him & the other leaders on Saturday at Torrey Pines. He handled himself very well. He was clearly the "leader" in the the group, ie, most comfortable, and has a ton of game. Many people wish he would consider hitting an easy 8 iron 165 instead of forcing a 9 - but hey, Geoff Ogilvy won the US Open with a full swing on every shot.

A factor to consider on Sunday, was Charles' relationship with Tiger. Many times we could see he and Tiger talking & laughing together, walking down the fairways together. When have you ever seen Tiger like that with someone that is right on his heels??? Charles does not get the same "game face" and "intimidation factor" that most competitors get when playing with Tiger.

I think Charles will win this year. He already has 2 seconds!

[RX Phoenix]

Did you see his swing, awesome like a bolt of precise lightning; worked on his putting in the off season. I was rooting for him and he does look like a real complete player now. But somehow he doesn't win, remember last year when his shot at 18 went into the cup on the fly and shot out into the water and he lost by one stroke, unbelievable. If there is one guy you have to pull for its CH3.

He may not be able to beat Tiger but he has a game that is worth watching and he can put a charge on at any time, can reach any par 5 in 2, is an exciting and accomplished player. You're right clubswinger21, Charles Howell did not back down, except that last putt, but he knew that Tiger wasn't going to miss anyway!

[Clubswinger21]

No Question.

You're probably right, he did look calm and comfortable playing in Tigers group. He just had a look in his eye though, like "Im gonna catch this guy" I actually had confidence he would. I almost forgot about that laser 8 iron that missed going in by 2 inches on 15 i think? Had that gone in, plus a made putt on 18 and we're going to a play off. He did everything but win that day, great stuff.

[The Turlock Kid]

Yeah I followed him too. He has the most amazing swing. So fast, so accurate. Unbelievable. I hope Chuckie Three Sticks can pull it off, he's the man!!

[LifeIsRuf]

No Question.

Charles also admitted that hes never beaten his friend and neighbor Tiger at their home course in Florida. I think it was in the January issue of GD.

[RX Phoenix]

Remember when Greg Norman was supposed to be the next Nicklaus, and Jack buddied up to him, putting way to much pressure on Norman . . .???

If I wanted to beat Tiger I don't think I'd want to be his buddy. Was Lee Trevino or Tom Watson ever a good buddy to Jack when they were playing . . . no, they kept their distance because they wanted to stomp Jack.

Usually the top dog, when they see their main rival will try and make friends with this rival in order to keep them down . . . didn't Tiger do this with David Duval? Then Duval gets on this, 'I wanna be like Tiger' workout kick, changes his body profile and the wheels come off.

But maybe Howell is being helped by this, time will tell . . . anyway here is an interview with Howell today after the practice round at FBR . . . http://www.pgatour.com/2007/r/01/30/...ure/index.html

[Chas]

Usually the top dog, when they see their main rival will try and make friends with this rival in order to keep them down . . . didn't Tiger do this with David Duval? Then Duval gets on this, 'I wanna be like Tiger' workout kick, changes his body profile and the wheels come off.

I don't buy your theory about the two of them being too close and Tiger exploiting their relationship for his own ends. Not in Tiger's nature, IMO, and besides he's too good to need such tactics. When Charles beats Tiger in a Major, Tiger will be the first to congratulate him - and he will mean it. Lots of top sportsmen and women are close with some of their greatest rivals. What happens on the field of battle is entirely different from what happens off, to a real professional.

I watched Charles at Torrey on Saturday from a spot near the green on the 18th (with my Mickelson periscope, NOT from a cushy seat in the stands), he was very composed and focussed. Let's face it, he could so easily have won it this time, and had it "stolen" from him a couple of years ago with that absurd approach shot that caromed out of the hole and into the water. The guy has the stuff, mentally and physically. His time will come. I was disappointed Charles didn't win at Torrey, but frankly Tiger must feel that he owns the blasted course at this point. I personally have watched Tiger make an eagle and two birdies on the 13th, and only once settle for par, while I've been standing next to the sand trap in back - my favorite spot on the whole course, but don't give away my secret . His is just magnificent on that course. Golfaholic: thanks for the link to the Howell interview. Very interesting. Hmmmm, I'm actually in the transition from a very mechanical focus to much more of a "feel" game, and it's helping a lot. * thinks * maybe there's hope for me yet, in the Senior tour ....

[RX Phoenix]

All praise to CH III, that's as clutch as it gets. He stepped into a new life and left the past behind, he's a winner and everyone knows that he has what it takes now. Kudos to Phil for being such a classy guy and congratulating CH III after the first playoff hole when he holed that tricky putt. When Phil retires he might consider being a philanthropist, he certainly is good at 'giving away' valuable assets.

[Dent]

that was an exciting Playoff, I was rooting for phil. I think if his ball didnt hit the fringe on that last shot and slowed his ball down it woulda turned out differently. Good job to howell though who came back to tie it up with phil.

[Shindig]

Yeah, terrific job that was. Howell's one of those guys that has been on my fantasy golf team for ages but I've never actually seen him win. Now if Ryuji Imada can seal the deal next week, I'll be all set.


I seem to recall that Howell is friends with Tiger; anyone else know if this is the case? If so, that's one great congratulations call to get, even if you're expecting it at that point :)

[J.P.]

No question! I am very happy for CH III. He has put in some effort this past year - going back to Leadbetter and all. It must be gratifying to see the results of his hard work paying off this season. I typically don't see results to my hard work. Maybe not working hard enough.

Interesting that on 18 in regulation, and 18, the first playoff hole, Phil's drives were both left again, ala US Open. Result was the same.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

Now if Ryuji Imada can seal the deal next week, I'll be all set.

As Flo used to say, "When pigs fly!"

[flap]

Phill did not give this away,Howell birdeyed 3 of last 4 to catch him even though Phill boggeyed 18.I must say Phills short game was not up to snuff as his chipping was not good and his short iron play was not good the 3rd and 4th rounds.CH111 outplayed him down the stretch.

[frankm]

I was happy to see Charlie win and he did it in style and under pressure. I think this may lead to a couple more wins for him this year. Hard work does pay off and his game looks great.

[Puttin4Bird]

What I think will be interesting is to see what Charlie Howell does to follow this win, he seems to be talked about as such a great player all the time but really has fallen short of the level of expectation that has been placed on him by today's sports writers and fans.

I've got nothing against the kid, he seems like a good guy, but I need to see more out of him than 2 career wins.

[Chas]

Ah, sweet vindication for the guy! And Phil didn't lay down and die of course - he doesn't know how.