By Ryan
Charles has been hard at work, practicing his game, losing weight and improving his flexibility. Charles says he’s practiced on his own 10 or 15 times since he’s last seen Haney. Haney might have been skeptical before, but he sees great progress. “You’re so much better, it’s ridiculous,” Haney says.
Today, Charles is going on his first golf course adventure with his new swing. A few minor celebrities show up at the tee box: former NHL star Brett Hull and golfer Tommy Armour III. Charles starts out well, but by the time Hull and Armour show up, he’s slipped a little. “We’ve had a serious regression here since we’ve gotten here,” Haney says. Hull thinks Charles is beyond help. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” he says. But a few tips and adjustments from Haney, and Hull and Armour are suddenly impressed with Haney’s work. Comedian George Lopez and CBS golf analyst David Feherty show up, and now there’s a crowd of minor celebs watching Charles. “Haney’s a genius,” Feherty says. “I’m lost for words, and that seldom happens.” “I thought we’d have a black president before Charles fixed his swing,” Lopez says.
But put Charles on the tee at a real course, and the hitch comes back. “I’m clearly aware that I suck,” Charles says. “Even Lake Tahoe, I get more television coverage than the winners.” After a rough start on the course, Charles starts gaining confidence and starts hitting some good shots. “I go from basket case to cocky. I’m 0 to 60.”
Charles and Hank head in for dinner, then they shoot some pool. Charles hustles Hank (not sure how many grand Chuckles had riding on this game).
Charles and Hank go to the The Oven, the Nike Golf Research and Development/Fitting Facility. Charles wants to be fitted for clubs geared for his new, better swing. Charles talks about beating Tiger Woods some day. “You just got to make sure he pays up,” says an R&D guy at the Oven. “That’s the problem. You know he’s cheap,” Charles replies, getting yet another dig at Tiger.
In The Oven’s machine shop, Nike develops prototypes for all their golf products. They have Charles test out a number of clubs, and he finds some that he likes. He takes them out on a chipping green, and Haney says Charles’ putting, chipping and short game are way above average. He actually does show a lot of finesse around the green. While Haney is dissecting Charles’ swing to a Nike employee, Charles is talking trash about his mentor. “You got a damn crazy man making you hit 1,200 balls a day. I hit over 1,000 balls a day,” Charles says. “He’s got some issues up there.”
Then we meet Colt Knost, 2007 U.S. amateur champion and No. 11 on Charles’ hit list.
Photo: Credit: GOLF CHANNEL
