Charles Howell III – Give Him A Break
We finally have a twenty-something American seriously competing come Sunday afternoon (though he’s 0-fer) and the golf experts can’t cut him some slack. He took Tiger the full 15 rounds and while he didn’t win, I don’t think he lost by a K.O. (or even T.K.O.) either. Howell III is learning how to win again and the road back has been very long and very painful at times, but I certainly see the progress he’s made.
Like many before him, he hit the tour with tons of expectations and the fact that he came from Augusta (yes that Augusta) kind of led people to believe he had this magical fate attached to his personna. Yes, it would be stunning if he could win the Masters, but first he needs to learn how to contend there, and it seems that it would be easier than most because he knows the course extremely well. But come that week in April, and even the best golfers have a hard time swallowing on the first tee because of the enormous pressure they feel.
Though it’s way early, I do look for Howell III to win this year, and if he can at least stay consistent throughout the year, it will be a big boost to his confidence.