Insider: For Howell, one Georgia trip begets another
By Stan Awtrey, PGATOUR.COM Contributor
Charles Howell III is in a pretty good place right now.
He was all smiles when he arrived at a special corporate event hosted by Mizuno Golf in Atlanta this week. Howell went out of his way to spend some time with promising junior golfer Manny Wignall, who was there to receive a set of irons as a gift from the company and a local television station. Howell talked to the 12-year-old home-schooled student about the state of his game and his golf goals, took a look at the youngster's swing and gave him some words of encouragement. Manny, well-spoken young man, was thrilled with the attention and his mother, Sonia, was busy taking photographs for the scrapbook.
"It doesn't feel that it's been that long ago when I was his age," Howell said. "I remember when I was 12 and got a new set of clubs. It's amazing how fast those days go by."
Hard to believe, but Howell, now 32, has been on TOUR since 2000 when he played well enough after leaving Oklahoma State to earn special temporary member status. Despite his still-youthful appearance and attitude, Howell has been around too long now to be considered one of the young guns. And he's matured enough to realize where he's at and set appropriate goals.
For Howell the goal usually centers around the Masters. Born and raised in Augusta, there is probably no player on the PGA TOUR who loves and appreciates the tournament as much as Howell. His season revolves around his ability to qualify and compete in the Masters, something he hasn't done for the last three years.
"It's a tournament you've got to watch on TV, but it sure does stink to watch it," Howell said.
This year Howell decided the best way to get back to Augusta would be to qualify by finishing among the top 30 in the FedExCup race. Those top 30, the ones who will compete this week at East Lake, have secured their 2012 Masters invitations. So he'll be playing, not watching this spring.
"I've not played in the Masters the last three years and that's been the hardest thing," Howell said. "If you're not in the top 50 in the world rankings, the best thing to do is finish in the top 30 in the FedExCup. It's nice to know I'll be going back to Augusta."
Howell has been very consistent all season. He's made the cut in 23 of 27 events, with six top-10s and 14 top-25s. He had a great stretch in mid-summer when he tied for third on back-to-back weeks at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and AT&T National and tied for fifth at the John Deere Classic.
"It's been a lot better than the last three years, that's for sure," Howell said.
After a great 2007 season, when Howell won at Riviera and made the Presidents Cup team, the last three seasons were a wasteland. He dropped to 95th, 49th and 75th on the FedExCup list. This season he's been making cuts with consistency and putting himself back in contention on a regular basis.
"I've made a bunch of cuts," he said. "Everybody wants to win and I'm knocking on the door and getting closer. But winning isn't as easy as just showing up."
This week Howell will be playing at East Lake, a course he enjoys and one where he held the second round lead and finished second at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola behind Vijay Singh in 2002.
Howell's chances of winning the FedExCup are remote, but he can use the earnings from the cash-rich event to help get ready for the arrival of his son later this fall. Howell's wife Heather is expecting their second child, who has already been named Charles Howell IV. It's part of the reason Howell is so content with his life.
"I'm really happy with the people around me," he said.
It shows, too.
Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.
Shop your favorite brand name golf equipment and accessories at SHOP.PGATOUR.COM
FANTASY
PGATOUR.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network 