Howell Hits 600 … And Still Counting

More than 20 years ago, I was asked by a magazine to write a story about Charles Howell III who had left Oklahoma State early and was a kid on the front end of a rocket ride to greatness.

The magazine and many of the rest of us thought Howell was going to be golf’s next big thing, a skinny youngster capable of taking on and taking down the game’s giants.

We had dinner at the Howell family home in Augusta, Georgia, and talked about life as much as we talked about golf. The family told stories of how Charles would spend his weekend nights riding an exercise bike at home rather than going out on dates when he was in high school.

Howell was already accustomed to the attention given his spectacular junior career and, after dinner, he sat in the living room and autographed some items that had been sent to him.

Charles Howell III has little doubt that, before he's finished, he will make at least 700 starts on the PGA Tour. Photo: Cliff Hawkins, Getty...