Howell's Evolution Not Nearing End

By Jared Trexler

From braces to birdies, Charles Howell III has grown from the next young American hopeful to, well, the next young American hopeful.

Along the way, nothing came easy -- in golf it rarely does. Frustration and the pressure it stemmed from were too much to handle emotionally and mentally, deteriorating Howell's god-given physical gift.

The kid could flush a golf ball. Yet, he couldn't quite get it in the hole fast enough, starting a mental avalanche of self doubt that culminated in a switch from long-time swing coach David Leadbetter before reconnecting with the teacher in Denver last summer.

Howell decided it was time to rebuild his swing, his approach and his golfing career from the ground up with the help of just one man -- God. The Augusta, Georgia native grew up just outside Amen Corner in hopes of one day dueling down the stretch on that unique three-hole landscape.

And like so many people, it took struggle to spur a renewed sense of drive.

It has been evident in Howell's play all season, despite a disappointing second-place finish at the Sony Open of Hawaii, Howell charged back to finish right behind Tiger Woods in second place at the Buick Open.

Then came Sunday at the Nissan Open. The day all bounces went his way. All tough putts were holed. Some call it destiny, others call it hard work -- but I just call it GOLF...

Maybe with God's help.

"I said, 'God, if this is the time, then let's knock this in,"' Howell said. "And fortunately, it was."

The time came after Phil Mickelson, a trimmer, straight-driving Mickelson, bogeyed the 18th hole to put Howell in a playoff then lost a winning chance at the second playoff hole (#10) before falling on the 18th.

But this story isn't about Phil. Last week's was if you want to take a look. Rather this story is about a 120-pound soaking wet American with the pedigree all along, now finally, the purpose to match.

Like a little kid, Howell shined brightly with words so genuine you knew he believed them.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world right now."

On February 18, 2007 in the world of golf, it was hard to argue with him. Now Howell -- not Tiger or Ernie or Phil -- finds himself at the top of the money list with just over $2 million, already more than he made in 30 events last season.

Five seasons removed from his first Tour victory at Kingsmill, it all came down to three feet. Renewed faith in God and golf all came down to three feet.

"That par putt was the longest par putt I hit in my life," he said.

Maybe until a two-footer to win the Masters. The evolutionary fairytale from braces to birdies doesn't need to stop here.

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Jared Trexler is The Phanatic Magazine's Golf Writer. He can be reached at jtrexler@phanaticmag.com

**Image courtesy of the PGA Tour**